tendency to decrease with higher CRP levels. There was no change in fetuin-A levels during HD: 206 (167.1; 231.9) ug/ml before and 208.9 (170.3; 246.3) ug/ml after HD; respectively. When corrected for haemoconcentration, decrease in fetuin-A was only 2.8% (po 0.05). There was also no difference between effect of hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration procedure. The use of different calcium dialysate concentrations had distinct effect on iPTH levels during and after HD, however, we observed no associated changes in fetuin-A levels. The use of dialysate solution with citric acid had no effect on fetuin-A levels. In conclusion, standard bicarbonate HD with polysulfone dialyser and ultrapure dialysate induces only minor changes in fetuin-A and no changes in hsCRP levels. iPTH levels correlate positively with predialysis fetuin-A, but distinct acute changes in iPTH secretion induced by different dialysate calcium concentrations have no effect on serum fetuin-A levels after a single HD.http://dx.

Background: Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM), is a type of chronic, microcytic anaemia that is characterized by impaired biosynthesis of the β-globin chain leading to accumulation of unpaired α-globin chain. Due to the severe anaemia caused in Thallassemia, patient must undergo repeated blood transfusions for survival. Repeated blood transfusions lead to built-up of iron overload which is responsible for tissue deposition of excess iron, ultimately resulting in iron toxicity. There are evidences of aminoaciduria, hypercalciuria, phosphaturia, magnesiuria, hyperuricosuria, low urine osmolality, and excess urinary secretion of markers of tubular damage such as N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase in patients with beta-thalassemia major. In the present study, authors tried to investigate the proportion of patients diagnosed with β-Thalassemia Major manifesting renal dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance. Material and Methods: It was a hospital based case-control study involving 100 patients coming to Department of Pediatric Medicine, and belonging to the age group 1 to 18 years. Equal number of healthy age and sex matched children were taken as controls. Results:  When cases and controls were compared with respect to albuminuria, blood pH, serum bicarbonate, phosphorus and blood urea, higher number of cases had deranged values as compared to the healthy controls [p<0.05]. Conclusion:  Renal damage and tubular dysfunctions leading to eletrolyte imbalances exist in children with β-thalassemia major. Keywords: kidney, Thalassemia, Electrolytes, children.