2021, Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part E

Background: Thalassemia is the most common inherited monogenic disorder in the world.

The present study was conducted to assess thyroid dysfunction in thalassemia patients.

Materials & Methods: 84 children with beta thalassemia major of both genders were assessed for serum total thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Serum ferritin levels were obtained. TSH and T4 concentration were analyzed by ELISA.

Results: There were 64 euthyroid and 20 hypothyroid patients. 40 male and 24 females euthyroid patients and 12 males and 8 hypothyroid patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The amount of blood transfused was 230.4 ml/kg and 272 ml/kg, serum ferritin (ng/ml) level was 1972.5 and 28.16, serum TSH µIU/ml was 3.05 and 7.14, serum free T4 (pmol/l) was 12.7 and 10.6 and serum free T3 (pmol/l) level was 6.14 and 4.52 in euthyroid and hypothyroid patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: Severity of thyroid dysfunction in thalassemia patients was variable.