Authors : F. Najafipour , A. Aliasgarzadeh , M. Niafar , M. Mobaseri , N. Aghamohamadzadeh and R.S Sorkhabi
Abstract: Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder. Blood transfusion is critical for survival in these patients. Over the course of the past two and three decade�s hypertransfusion therapy in these patients has increased significant improvement in life expectancy and quality of life. Unfortunately, this type of therapy increased the frequency of complication due to iron overloud. In the past endocrine abnormalities were very common in beta-thalassemia patients but it is more common now. The aim of this study was evaluation of prevalence of endocrine disturbances in patients with thalassemia major greater than 10 years old. Fifty six patients with thalassemia major greater than 10 years enrolled. Physicians collected demographic data and history of therapies as well as menstrual history in female. Patients have been examined to determine their pubertal status and SDS of height for evaluation of short stature. For evaluation of glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Serum level of calcium, phosphorous, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxin, luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone, estradiol in girls and testosterone in boys were measured. Fifty six patients with thalassemia major 10-27 years old were evaluated. In this study prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test were 8.9, 28.6 and 7.1%, respectively. Short stature (SDS= -2) was seen in 70 of boys and 73% of girls. Hypocalcaemia and primary overt hypothyroidism were present in 41 and 16%, respectively. 14.3% of our patients have not any endocrine abnormalities. Despite recent therapy with Desferal in the management of beta-thalassemia major, the risk of secondary endocrine dysfunction remains high. Hypogonadism is one of the most frequent endocrine complications. Endocrine evaluation in patients with thalassemia major must be carried out regularly especially in those patients over the age of 10 years in tabriz.
F. Najafipour , A. Aliasgarzadeh , M. Niafar , M. Mobaseri , N. Aghamohamadzadeh and R.S Sorkhabi , 2008. Evaluation of Glucose Metabolism, Thyroid Function, Growth and Development Pattern and Calcium Status in Patients with Thalassemia Major. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 867-873.