Co-existing iron deficiency/overload in beta-thalassemia trait

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Genetics
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Beta thalassaemia trait is a common inherited blood disorder.
• Iron status assessment in beta thalassaemia trait can be complex due to overlapping clinical presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the co-existence of iron deficiency and iron overload in individuals diagnosed with beta thalassaemia trait.
• To characterize iron status variability within this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 292 individuals exhibiting a hypochromic microcytic blood picture.
• Haemoglobin electrophoresis and serum ferritin levels were analyzed.
• Data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism v6.

Main Results:

• Out of 292 subjects, 82.2% were anemic.
• Serum ferritin levels indicated iron deficiency in 18.8% of subjects, iron sufficiency in 70.9%, and iron overload in 10.3%.
• Elevated serum ferritin levels were more prevalent in adults (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Serum ferritin levels in individuals with beta thalassaemia trait exhibit significant variability.
• The findings highlight the potential for co-existing iron deficiency and overload, necessitating careful iron status monitoring.