Mahidol Scoring for Assessing Various Grades of β Thalassemia Intermedia

To determine the effectiveness of Mahidol Scoring for assessing various grades of β thalassemia intermedia.

Cross-sectional study.

Fatima Memorial Hospital, Shadman, Lahore, from August 2016 to August 2017.

A total of 150 patients, both inpatient and outpatient diagnosed as thalassaemia intermedia fulfilling inclusion criteria, were enrolled, interviewed and examined after an informed consent. All patients were assessed by using Mahidol Scoring system. Their scores were documented on a predesigned evaluation porforma. Patients were labelled as mild, moderate or severe diseased.

In a total of 150 patients, 88 (58.7%) were males and 62 (41.3%) were females. Using Mahidol Scoring, 88 (58.7%) were labelled as mild, 53 (35.3%) as moderate and 9 (6%) as severe diseased. Patient who were labelled as mild diseased according to Mahidol Scoring, had no blood transfusions and showed good response to hydroxyurea. Patients with moderate score, were infrequently transfused and showed variable response to hydroxyurea. Patients in severe group received first transfusion at an early age, maintained lower Hb levels, showed growth retardation, splenomegaly, and had poor response to hydroxyurea.

Mahidol Scoring system is an easy, safe and effective way for classification of thalassaemia Intermedia severity. The grades according to Mahidol Scoring system will aid in the management of patients as the score can be quickly calculated, and can assist the clinician in an initial evaluation for disease severity in patients of thalassaemia intermedia.