Immunoglobulin levels in children with homozygous beta-thalassemia

Patients with hereditary hemolytic anaemias have been known to have immunoglobulin alterations related to an increased susceptibility to infection. In the present series, immunoglobulins, G, A and M have been estimated in 50 thalassemic children aged 10 months to 13 years. No significant difference was found in any of the immunoglobulins between patients and age-matched controls. No correlation could be shown between immunoglobulin levels and (a) the severity of anaemia, (b) the degree of hemosiderosis, and (c) the frequency of febrile infections per year. Against clinical impressions patients did not shown any increased susceptibility to infections.