EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY TO FIND THE IMPACT OF COVID_19 IN TREATMENT OF THALESSEMIA PATIENTS IN LAHORE

Introduction: COVID-19 is a major pandemic that is leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the people in all over the world (Mehta, 2020). The mortality rate of COVID-19 is less but when it diagnosed in the people who are already suffering any disease then there are high chances of death in the patients due to their weak immunity (Bai, 2020). Thalassemia is a disease of red blood cells and immunity of patients is very weak in such patients, thus COVID-19 showed enhanced negative effects on the patients of Thalassemia and other related diseases. Objective: To determine the impact of Covid_19 in treatment of Thalassemia patients Study Design: The observational cross-sectional study by online questionnaire was conducted to find the prevalence of disease and the study was conducted for almost three months from March 2020 to May 2020. Methodology: In the cross-sectional study with the help of participants, 150 patients were selected who filled the questionnaire to determine the impact of COVID-19 in the lifestyle of people as well as in the people who are dealing with the Thalassemia. There were almost 30 questions in the questionnaire that were filled by the patients who were suffering with the disease. The purpose of such study was to determine the effect of pandemic in treatment of various diseases especially Thalassemia. Results: The people from Lahore who were diagnosed with COVID-19 were selected for the study and they were advised to fill the questionnaire. The results indicated that the COVID-19 is highly affecting the people of Thalassemia because people are not giving blood for the patients of Thalassemia due to lockdown. Quarantine situation has also affected them and they are avoiding from going outside. Conclusion: The pandemic situation of COVID-19 is creating problem for all developed and developing countries because it is increasing the problems related to disease and economic conditions. The treatment of Thalassemia is only possible when people will donate blood for them but due to quarantine and lockdown situation, the people are not participating in giving blood. PTMC for mitral stenosis is a safe procedure for severe MS. PTMC is associated with minimal valve related and neurologic complications. Key Words: COVID-19, Thalassemia, Red Blood Cells, SARS-CoV, hemoglobinopathies, sickle cell anemia