Humoral immune system state in ß thalassemia major

To investigate the humeral immune markers in patients with β-thalassemia major (TM).

In this historical - cohort study (August to December 2007), the case group consisted of 34 TM patients and the control group included the same number of their gender and age matched healthy siblings. Serum levels of CH50, C3, C4, IgE, IgG,IgA,IgM and also ASO and Isohemaglutinin titers were determined and compared between the case and control groups (P<0.05).

Serum level of IgA in TM patients was more frequently higher than normal level compared to the controls, but there were no significant differences on the level of C3, C4, CH50, IgG, IgE, IgM, ASO and Isohemaglutinin between two groups. Splenectomized patients had lower IgM and higher IgA and IgG levels and also diabetic patients had significantly lower C3, ASO, IgM and higher IgA and IgG levels than other patients. Levels of IgA, IgE, IgG, and ASO increased in elder patients. Patients with serum ferritin level >3000 ng/ml had lower C4 and CH50 levels. C4-level in male patients was significantly lower.

This study indicated that there were no significant changes in humeral immune markers in the patients with β-thalassemia major compared to the controls, except in the case of IgA which was higher in the TM patients. It seems that there is no need for routine survey of immunoglobulins and complement levels in thalassemic patients in order to detect immunodeficiency.