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Krefeld. Marco Olinelli is dependent on blood transfusions. He has what is known as beta thalassemia major, a severe anemia. It lacks red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. That is why he has needed red blood cell transfusions since he was one and has to stop by the Helios Clinic in Krefeld every two weeks.
Even before he was born, it was clear that Marco would develop severe anemia. Since both parents suffer from the mild form, beta thalassemia minor, an examination was carried out in the womb to see whether Marco also had this genetic defect. “I caught the more severe form myself and have been receiving blood transfusions regularly since I was one,” said the Krefeld native. “On average, I’m here every two weeks. In the meantime I feel almost at home in the blood bank. I still know one employee from my time in the children’s clinic, ”says the 24-year-old chemical laboratory technician.
Thalassemia causes low hemoglobin levels in the blood. “A normal HB value is around 13-15 g / dl, mine is just under 10 when I have a transfusion. After the blood transfusion it is at the lower normal limit. At the end of the interval, I already notice how it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to climb the stairs to my apartment on the second floor. Then I’m really tired. “
The falling hemoglobin level leads to rapid fatigue and shortness of breath during physical activity. All organs of the body are undersupplied by the lack of oxygen and their function is restricted. “If the hemoglobin deficiency is not compensated for, patients like Marco die,” explains Dr. Udo Voelker, Senior Physician for Blood Donation at the Helios Clinic in Krefeld. “The red blood cell transfusions give him new strength. However, they have one serious side effect: the body receives too much iron, which is part of the oxygen carrier hemoglobin. An iron overload of the body leads to severe organ damage in the area of the heart, liver and pancreas, so that Marco, like everyone in need of transfusions, has to take medication to remove the excess iron from the body. “
When Marco comes to Lutherplatz, it takes three to four hours for the entire process. He has been able to receive the transfusions on an outpatient basis for five years, before that he was inpatient at the children’s clinic over the weekend. “That is of course a time factor, but I don’t feel particularly burdened. On the contrary, I am grateful that I can lead an almost normal life with the help of committed blood donors, ”says Marco. But he cannot go on vacation for more than two weeks, that would be too risky. “Perhaps it is possible that I will soon be participating in a newly approved gene therapy. It would be great if that worked out. Because my girlfriend and I have a big dream: a trip around the world. “
InfoKlick: www.helios-gesundheit.de/krefeld/blutspende
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