Serum Ferritin and Endocrine Function in Thalassemia Major Children
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Verma Ganesh, Chand Ramesh, Anjum Meraz, Rastogi Dushyant, Sharma Nishant, Verma Swalpa, Khan Imran Ahmed
Primary Institution: Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, IND
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between serum ferritin levels and growth and endocrine function in children with thalassemia major?
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of endocrine complications in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, regardless of serum ferritin levels.
Supporting Evidence
- The most common endocrinopathy was short stature (37.1%).
- Impaired glucose tolerance was found in 28.6% of participants.
- Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 14.5% of the children.
- Ferritin levels showed a strong positive correlation with age (r=0.688, p<0.001).
- Ferritin levels were significantly associated with stature (p=0.001) and TSH (p=0.004).
- Endocrine complications were observed irrespective of normal serum ferritin levels.
- Close monitoring for endocrine dysfunction is essential in these patients.
- Early interventions may mitigate complications related to iron overload.
Takeaway
Kids with a blood condition called thalassemia often have problems with growth and hormones, even if their iron levels seem okay.
Methodology
This was a prospective observational study involving children aged six months to 14 years with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, analyzing growth and endocrine function in relation to serum ferritin levels.
Potential Biases
There may be recall bias for transfusion histories and confounders not adjusted for.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and potential biases in data collection.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 5.66 years, with 79% being boys.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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