Antioxidant micronutrients in children with thalassaemia in Egypt

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Beta-thalassaemia major patients require frequent blood transfusions, leading to secondary iron overload.
• Iron overload can cause peroxidative tissue injury, a significant complication in thalassaemia.
• The impact of iron overload on antioxidant micronutrient status in pediatric thalassaemia requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between iron overload and antioxidant micronutrient levels in children with beta-thalassaemia major.
• To compare serum levels of key antioxidant vitamins and minerals between thalassaemic children and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of vitamins A and E, zinc, selenium, and copper were measured.
• 64 children with beta-thalassaemia major were compared with 63 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
• Serum ferritin and iron levels were assessed in relation to micronutrient status and treatment duration.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower serum levels of vitamins A and E, zinc, selenium, and copper were observed in thalassaemic children.
• Inverse correlations were found between serum ferritin and retinol, and between serum iron and retinol/selenium.
• Serum ferritin positively correlated with the duration of chelation and transfusion therapies.

Conclusions:

• Children with beta-thalassaemia major exhibit depleted antioxidant micronutrient status, linked to iron overload.
• Oxidative damage is a critical concern, necessitating interventions to mitigate its adverse effects on thalassaemia prognosis.
• Monitoring and supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients may be beneficial for managing thalassaemia complications.