Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of β-Thalassemia Major Patients in Bushehr City: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Background and Aims: β-thalassemia is the most common genetic disorder worldwide. β-thalassemia major results in severe anemia and serious complications. So, this study aims to evaluate the hematological and biochemical markers in β-thalassemia major patients in Bushehr city. Materials and Methods: Our study included 94 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major were compared with 94 normal healthy subjects as controls. Hematological assessments included complete blood count indices. The biochemical evaluations included liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests, lipid profile, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, fasting blood sugar, and serum ferritin. Results: All hematological parameters in patients, such as hemoglobin (p < 0.01), hematocrit (p < 0.01), mean corpuscular volume (p < 0.05), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p <0.05), were significantly reduced compared to the control group except mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration which was insignificant (p > 0.05). Higher levels of triglyceride, phosphorus, fasting blood sugar, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, uric acid, total and direct bilirubin, and lower levels of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were observed in patients in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum sodium, potassium, calcium, and albumin was not significantly different from the control group (p > 0.05). The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism (thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.5 mIU/l and T4 < 5.6 μg/dl) was reported at 5.31%. Conclusions: This study emphasized the necessity for regular follow-up and evaluation of β-thalassemia, which could be used to improve treatment protocols.