Abstract
Introduction: Thalassemia is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis. Regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy have notice ably prolonged survival in thalassemic patients.[1] Despite a significant increase in the life span of these patients, they suffer from multiple abnormalities probably due to iron over load, including endocrinal abnormalities such as hypogonadism, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and hyperparathyroidism.[2] The pattern of levels of growth hormone levels among the patients with thalassemia major undergoing repeated blood transfusions remain unexplored. Very few studies have been undertaken among Indian population.
Methodology: It is a prospective study and was conducted at St George hospital, Mumbai, on diagnosed patients of thalassemia major admitted to the paediatric wards. Duration of the study was 3 months and 20 patients were included.
Inclusion Criteria
- All admitted patients of thalassemia major aged 18 years and below.
Exclusion Criteria
- Chronic haemolytic anemia apart from thalassemia major
- Those that was very sick
- Those suffering from malnutrition
- Those who were on supplementation of growth hormone.
Patients who were willing to participate and sign the inform consent were enrolled in the study.
Growth hormone levels were done using CLIA.
Results: The mean age of the studied thalassemia patients was 9.65 ± 4.23 years with no gender preponderance. Mean (SD) Growth hormone levels was 0.769 ng/dl ± 0.540 ng/dl and was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.001).
Conclusion: It is evident from the present study that the levels of Growth Hormone are normal among β-thalassemia major patients on repeated blood transfusion. But GH supplementation can help these patients. Frequent monitoring and supplementation in deficient states is recommended.
Keywords: Beta Thalassemia major, Growth Hormone levels
References
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Corresponding Author
Rasika Hattewar
M.D. Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Grant Govt Medical College, Mumbai, India
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i1.95
