Delaying Blood Transfusion in Thalassemic Children with Supplementation of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Protein: A Novel Strategy

Background: Thalassemia is an inherited genetic hemoglobin disorder wherein, afflicted child is born when both parents are carriers for defective alpha or beta hemoglobin gene. The thalassemias are the most common genetic disorder on a worldwide basis. The requirement of frequent blood transfusions in these patients pose a substantial burden on the health care system. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted across 6 months (July 2018-December 2018) in a tertiary care hospital, Pune. The present study included 30 registered patient and their past 6 months record of blood transfusion (esp frequency), previous hemoglobin levels, height and weight. All these parameters were compared 6 months after supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids and proteins. Results: 16 of 28 patient showed that the average durations between two blood transfusions was increased by minimum 01 day to a maximum of 5 days. The average number of blood bag required was less than required blood bags in the period of pre supplementation. 20 of 28 patients showed a rise in hemoglobin level from a range of 0.5 to 1.2 gm/dl. Conclusion: In a country like India, with the high frequency of hemoglobinopathies, causing increased burden on the society, it is necessary to control the incidence by effective steps. Low cost and easily administered supplementation by omega 3 fatty acid and proteins may reduce the requirement of repeated blood transfusion along with increase in hemoglobin level.