Maria Aslam, Farooq Azam Khan, Salma Haq.
Metabolic abnormalities in patients with beta thalassemia major.
J Sharif Med Dent Coll Jan ;4(1):3-7.

Objective: To assess the metabolic abnormalities in patients with beta thalassemia major. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted at Department of Pathology in collaboration with Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore. Thirty diagnosed patients of beta thalassemia major of age 5-11 years were included in this study by random sampling technique. All the patients were transfused regularly and were taking desferrioxamine. Complete blood counts, serum ferritin, liver function tests, corrected serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured. Results: The study included 30 patients of beta thalassemia major with the mean age of 11.45+5.1 years. Eighteen patients were males and 12 were females. Serum ferritin was significantly raised in all patients. Hypophosphatemia, hypocalcemia and 25-OH vitamin D deficiency were found in 11%, 74% and 71% thalassemic patients respectively. Hypoparathyroidism was seen in 11.6% patients whereas hyperparathyroidism was observed in 9.1% patients. Conclusion: Metabolic abnormalities including hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and vitamin D deficiency occurs in patients with thalassemia major. Keywords: Beta thalassemia major Ferritin. Desferrioxamine. Osteoporosis.

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