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Endocrinal Complications in Children and Adolescents with Thalassemia Major in Central India: An Observational Study

Nandini Dixit1, Chandan Kumar Shaw2, Garima Agrawal Varshney3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, 450001, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Beta thalassemia major patients frequently experience short stature and delayed puberty. High serum ferritin levels correlate with these endocrinal complications, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and effective chelation therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Hematology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Beta-thalassemia major requires lifelong blood transfusions, leading to iron overload.
  • Iron overload can cause significant endocrine dysfunction in affected children.
  • Monitoring for endocrinopathies is crucial for managing long-term health in thalassemia patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of short stature, delayed puberty, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus in multiply transfused patients with beta-thalassemia major.
  • To investigate the correlation between these endocrinal abnormalities and serum ferritin levels.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive observational study was conducted in 50 children (8-18 years) with thalassemia major.
  • Clinical history, growth parameters, and Tanner staging were assessed.
  • Serum ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and glucose levels were measured to identify endocrinopathies.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of short stature (88%) and delayed puberty (71.7%) was observed.
  • Hypothyroidism (16%) and diabetes mellitus (10%) were also identified.
  • Serum ferritin showed a significant positive correlation with TSH, fasting and postprandial blood glucose, and delayed puberty.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatricians must regularly evaluate beta-thalassemia major patients for endocrinopathies.
  • Early detection and treatment of endocrine complications are essential.
  • Emphasizing adherence to chelation therapy is vital for preventing iron overload and its consequences.
Abstract

Keywords:
Central IndiaChelation therapyEndocrinopathiesThalassemia

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