ASSESSMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION IN BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Its well known that thalassemia is the most prevalent genetic disorder worldwide. β thalassemia major is the basic form of thalassemia major that requires lifelong blood transfusions. one of the most prevalent endocrine issues in beta-thalassemia major is hypothyroidism. The current study was aimed to assess the thyroid function status in chronically transfused Beta thalassemia major patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 278 patients diagnosed with beta thalassemia major. The study lasted for 12 months interval, from January 2021 to January 2022. Serum free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone and Ferritin levels were measured for all patients using Roche Cobas 6000 analyzer. Results: The study observed a high prevalence rate of subclinical hypothyroidism (41.2%) and as well as, (2.9%) had overt hypothyroidism. There was insignificant high level of serum ferritin among hypothyroid patients. Nineteen of the subclinical hypothyroid patients (16.5%) had splenectomy, whereas, no one with clinical hypothyroidism had splenectomy. Conclusion: The study conclude that near half of beta thalassemia major patients were had overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism.