Cooley's anemia

noun Coo·ley's anemia \ ˈkü-lēz- \

Definition of Cooley's anemia

: an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis that is the most severe form of beta-thalassemia, is marked by severe anemia associated with deficient hemoglobin, the presence of microcytes, and accelerated red cell destruction, and is associated with enlargement of the liver and spleen, an increase in erythroid bone marrow, bone deformities, and poor growth rate

Note: Cooley's anemia is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait requiring that both parents pass on a copy of the defective gene located on the chromosome numbered 11. Cooley's anemia occurs especially in individuals of Mediterranean ancestry and necessitates regular blood transfusions throughout life.

Origin and Etymology of cooley's anemia

Thomas B. Cooley †1945 American pediatrician

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First Known Use: 1934

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

Cooley's anemia

noun Coo·ley's anemia \ ˌkü-lēz- \

variants: also Cooley's disease

medical Definition of Cooley's anemia

: an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis that is the most severe form of beta-thalassemia, is marked by severe anemia associated with deficient hemoglobin, the presence of microcytes, and accelerated red cell destruction, and is associated with enlargement of the liver and spleen, an increase in the erythroid bone marrow, bone deformities, and poor growth rate — called also beta-thalassemia major, thalassemia major

Biographical Note for cooley's anemia

Cooley, Thomas Benton (1871–1945), American pediatrician. Cooley was one of the first modern pediatricians and a founder of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Interested in the etiology of childhood diseases, he focused his research on hematology and the anemias. His most important contribution was the identification of the familial anemia that bears his name. In 1927 Cooley, E. R. Witwer, and O. P. Lee described this anemia, frequently called thalassemia, that at first was thought to occur only in children of Mediterranean stock.