A Child Lost to Follow Up Carrying Beta Thalassemia Major: A Case Report

Abstract

Thalassemia is inherited autosomal recessive disorders characterized by reduced rate of hemoglobinsynthesis due to a defect in alpha or beta globin chain synthesis. Maldives has a beta thalassemiaprevalence rate of 16–18%. Classical symptoms of beta thalassemia are common on those patientswho present late for blood transfusion which is common among the south Asian countries due toresource poor situation. This case is a rare case report of commonly occurring phenomenon whichhas been reported less among south Asian region. Reporting this case will help health worker tomanage cases accordingly. A five and half year prior diagnosed case of beta thalassemia at ageof 2 years and lost to follow up presented with cough, Dyspnoea, Irritability, fatigue with classicsymptom of beta thalassemia. She was managed with blood transfusion and kept on continuousfollow up for transfusion and iron overload management.