Hematologic Disorders Pharmacotherapy

Diagnosing, treating, referring patients to a hematology expert, and caring for patients with hematologic diseases needs sophisticated understanding of the condition.

Thalassemia is classified as a chronic illness anemia due to a decreased rate of hemoglobin production. It is a genetic condition that mostly affects persons of Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean ancestry. Individuals with beta-thalassemia have a life expectancy of fewer than 30 years, and some require frequent and recurring blood transfusions to survive. The goal of this discussion is to present a case study of a patient diagnosed with thalassemia, an overview of the pharmacological therapy given, and how the patient's age may affect the effects of prescription drugs and measures to minimize side effects.

Beta-thalassemia major

PLAN:

1.) Folate supplementation- Begin with 65 mg of folic acid per day, PO;

Observe and report any adverse responses such as flushing, increased malaise, rash, or bronchospasm. There are no further cautions.

2.) Prolonged transfusion treatment for anemia correction (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur, & Reinhold,

3.) Begin Deferoxamine infusion treatment at a dose of 20-30 mg/kg/day during an 8-10 hour period to maintain a hepatic iron content of 7.0 mg/g liver tissue (Lexicomp, 2013a). Monitor and prepare for medical treatment with iron chelation.

This binds to iron and aids in its excretion; it is prescribed by a hematologist at the right age and recommended. Precautions against eye toxicity; initiate routine ophthalmologic exams; Chelation treatment side effects are more prevalent in patients with a low iron load and include ophthalmic and auditory toxicity, growth limitation, and, in rare cases, renal impairment. Additionally, the medication increases susceptibility to Yersinia infections; monitor for symptoms of illness and arrange extra assessment appointments.

4.) Begin daily administration of 100mg ascorbic acid, PO.

Education: Ascorbate replenishment is required to enhance the amount of iron eliminated during chelation treatment (Origa, 2018)

5.) Begin using iron-free baby formula. Put an end to iron-containing formulations.

Avoid all preparations containing iron (Origa, 2018).

6.) Initiate MVI gtts in infants. With iron, you can halt current baby MVI (Origa, 2018). 6.) Monthly physical examinations for further monitoring (Origa, 2018).

7.) Consult a pediatric hematologist to assess and treat, as well as manage monitoring, blood transfusions, and deferoxamine; consult a pediatric ophthalmologist to handle hazards to the eye and retina.

8.) Bone marrow transplantation as a possibility (Origa, 2018) 9.) Consider participating in ongoing research investigations.

Age is a factor in the prescription of medicines for this patient. It is critical for parents to closely monitor bad responses and to adhere to all medical appointments for monitoring lab values and physical examinations of all essential organs, eye examinations, and hematological monitoring of iron levels and treatment objectives. The family must realize that early and effective treatment can significantly improve thalassemia outcomes and problems. Patients who are not scheduled for transfusions often die within the first two decades. (Origa, 2018).