Assessment of growth-related hormones in patients with hereditary hemoglobinopathies

Abstract

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are global public health problems affecting developed and non- developed countries with major consequences for human health as well as economic and social development. Patients with hemoglobinopathies often present with endocrine abnormalities due to iron overload, such as pituitary disease which responsible for growth hormone secretion. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of iron over on growth in patients with hemoglobinopathies. Methods: A case control study, that included (140) patients with hemoglobinopathies and (50) healthy participants as a control. Growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor- 1 (IGF-1) and insulin like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) were measured by standard mothed. Results: there were significant decrease level of GH, IGF-1and IGFBP; while there were increase level of ferritin, AST, ALT & LDH in hemoglobinopathies patients. Conclusions: There were decreases level of growth-related hormones and IGF-1 is the more sensitive test in assessing growth retardation due iron overload, which needs treatment at an appropriate age.