Red cell membrane lipids in thalassaemia

Red cell and plasma lipids and their fractions were estimated in 20 cases of thalassaemia and 20 normal controls. In thalassaemia there was reduction in red cell lipids and their fractions, plasma lipids and their fractions, and derangement of liver functions. On the other hand, the intestinal fat absorption, morphology of intestinal mucosa and histochemical studies of fat absorption were normal. Hypolipidaemia may be possibly caused by deranged liver functions and is probably responsible for the diminution in erythrocyte lipids. A genetic factor producing reduction in red cell lipids may be also present.