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Skin Disorders in Egyptian Children with β-Thalassemia Major

Sameh S Fahmey1, Gamal Taha1, Abdelaziz El-Refaey2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62511, Egypt.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|May 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Skin disorders like itching and hyperpigmentation are common in Egyptian children with thalassemia major. Early dermatological examination is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of these frequent conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Hematology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Thalassemia major is a prevalent genetic disorder in Egypt.
  • Skin conditions in thalassemia patients are often overlooked and underdiagnosed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of skin manifestations in Egyptian children diagnosed with beta-thalassemia.
  • To highlight the importance of dermatological assessment in managing pediatric thalassemia.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 54 pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia major was studied.
  • Methods included detailed medical history, clinical examination by a dermatologist, and laboratory tests (CBC, serum ferritin).

Main Results:

  • The most frequent skin issues observed were pruritus (37%), scars (33.3%), hyperpigmentation (31.5%), and xerosis (22.2%).
  • Significant correlations were found between elevated serum ferritin levels and the incidence of scars, hyperpigmentation, xerosis, and ephelides.
  • The use of deferoxamine showed significant associations with the occurrence of scars, hyperpigmentation, xerosis, and ephelides.

Conclusions:

  • Skin disorders are a common comorbidity in Egyptian children with thalassemia major.
  • Routine and thorough skin examinations are essential for the early detection and management of dermatological problems in this patient population.
Abstract

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