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Glucose tolerance test and insulin levels in children with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|December 1, 1985
Insights
Children with multiple transfusions for thalassaemia show insulin resistance, even without diabetes. This is more pronounced in those who have had a splenectomy, indicating early metabolic changes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hematology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Thalassaemia requires frequent blood transfusions, potentially impacting metabolic health.
- Iron overload from transfusions can affect endocrine function.
- Splenectomy is a common procedure in thalassaemia management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in children with multiple transfused thalassaemia.
- To assess the prevalence of insulin resistance in this pediatric population.
- To explore the influence of splenectomy on metabolic parameters.
Main Methods:
- Oral glucose tolerance test administered to 20 children with thalassaemia.
- Measurement of blood glucose levels.
- Measurement of serum immunoreactive insulin levels.
Main Results:
- Overt diabetes and glucose intolerance were uncommon in children under 13 years.
- Insulin resistance was detected in the studied children.
- Children who underwent splenectomy exhibited a more pronounced degree of insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Children with multiple transfused thalassaemia exhibit subclinical insulin resistance.
- Splenectomy appears to exacerbate insulin resistance in these patients.
- Early monitoring of metabolic health is crucial for children with thalassaemia.
Abstract:
Blood glucose and serum immunoreactive insulin levels were measured following an oral glucose load in 20 unrelated children with multiple transfused thalassaemia. Results suggest that even though overt diabetes and glucose intolerance are uncommon before the age of 13 years, the presence of insulin resistance is evident, especially in those who have been splenectomized.