Clinico-pathological profile of paediatric patients with thalassemia major

Abstract

Background:The average prevalence of beta-thalassemia major is 3-4% which translates to 35-45 million carriers. Repeated use of blood transfusion in these patients causes significant morbidity and associated adverse effects. Aims and Objective: To study the clinical profile and laboratory parameters of Thalassemia major patients between the age group 1-14 years. . This included history, anthropometry, clinical examinations (general and systemic examinations) and laboratory Investigations including serum ferritin. RESULT: result showed that 42% patients were found to be underweight, 26.73% were short stature, 31.68% were hypocalcemic, 44.5% had low serum alkaline phosphatase. Transfusion frequency and serum ferritin were less in 1-5 years. A significant correlation was observed between the size of the spleen and the level of ferritin. CONCLUSION: Hereby it can be concluded that early diagnosis of the disease and early institution of chelation therapy can improve the life expectancy of the Beta-thalassemia patients.So, all these children require regular monitoring of endocrine functions after 5 years of age, and regular monitoring of height, weight semi-annuallyy.

Clinical profile of transfusion-dependent thalassemia major children with reference to serum ferritin and liver function: A prospective observational study

“…The age distribution of the study population revealed a significant proportion of children aged 1-5 years (54%), which is consistent with previous studies (Sharma et al; 9 Harish and Pasha; 10 and Al-Kherbash et al, 11 ) This observation highlights the early onset of thalassemia major and the need for early diagnosis and management.…”