Language
Country/Area
No result found
Why is fatigue the first symptom of transition-dependent anemia?
Transformation-dependent anemia is a form of anemia that requires continuous blood transfusions, is commonly caused by a variety of diseases, and is associated with decreased survival. In this case, regular blood transfusions can increase functional red blood cells and hemoglobin, thereby alleviating anemia symptoms. However, the most common symptom of this disease is fatigue, which makes us wonder: Why is fatigue the main manifestation of this disease?
Relationship between fatigue and transition-dependent anemia
Fatigue is often more pronounced in patients with transformation-dependent anemia. This is because anemia can reduce the body's oxygen carrying capacity, preventing it from getting enough oxygen it needs, leading to fatigue during daily activities. As the disease worsens, patients may experience a decrease in overall energy, with this unexplained tiredness becoming a major disturbance.
Fatigue is caused by a lack of sufficient red blood cells in the blood to carry oxygen, which makes every organ in the body face the challenge of insufficient oxygen supply, further affecting the quality of daily life of patients.
Causes of Transition-Dependent Anemia
The main causes of transformation-dependent anemia include thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), both of which require continuous blood transfusions to maintain normal hemoglobin levels. For patients with these diseases, their bodies need a constant infusion of red blood cells to replace previous losses caused by the disease and to cope with worsening anemia.
Thalassemia
This type of disease is divided into α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia. Especially for patients with β-thalassemia, continuous blood transfusion is a necessary measure to maintain survival. Due to insufficient production of red blood cells, they face severe anemia, and fatigue often becomes more prominent during the course of their illness.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
MDS is a group of blood disorders in which the patient's bone marrow fails to produce normal blood cells, resulting in anemia. It is reported that approximately 70% of MDS patients will develop transformation-dependent anemia and require regular blood transfusions to relieve symptoms.
Multiple effects of fatigue
Fatigue is not limited to the physical aspect, it also affects the patient's mental health. Amid persistent fatigue, many patients begin to experience anxiety and depression, a combination of which further diminishes their quality of life. Restrictions on mobility and social needs follow, creating a vicious cycle.
Patients are often unable to participate in normal social activities due to fatigue, and this sense of isolation often exacerbates the severity of their psychological problems.
Strategies to address the anemia of transition dependency
For patients with transition-dependent anemia, in addition to regular blood transfusions, they also need to pay attention to other underlying health problems, such as iron excess. After receiving frequent blood transfusions, patients may accumulate too much iron in their bodies, leading to damage to multiple organs. Treatment often includes iron chelation therapy to reduce iron levels in the body and improve overall health.
SummaryAlthough fatigue is one of the most notable symptoms of patients with transition-dependent anemia, coping with this disease requires not only resisting physical challenges but also paying attention to mental health. The academic community has increasingly focused on comprehensive care and treatment strategies for patients with transition-dependent anemia, hoping that this will improve patients' quality of life. Of course, in the face of such a complex disease, let us think: How should patients balance physical needs and spiritual support in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle?
