Protein C and S levels in patients with Thalassemia intermedia

This study was conducted to assess the level of proteins C and S in patients with thalassemia intermedia from the Thalassemia Center in Erbil, Iraq. This study aimed to evaluate protein C and S levels in patients with β-thalassemia intermedia and correlate them to different clinical and laboratory parameters. This comprehensive descriptive case-control study was conducted in 2021. Twenty-three thalassemia intermedia patients were recruited. After the participants' demographic data were recorded, plasma levels of both proteins were measured. The acquired files were examined for the 23 patients studied, 48% of whom were female. The mean age of the patients was 16.32 years. The findings show that the proportion of protein C in males was greater than in females, while this percentage contrasts when compared with protein S (ranging between 89-99% and 85-96%, respectively). Concerning age, these two types of protein in children have more value compared to older ages. Only seven people had less than 1,000 ferritins, while the others had higher values. A decrease in proteins C and S was observed in the thalassemia intermediate compared to the control group. There was a significant relationship between the decreased protein C and S levels with splenectomy. Given the significant reduction in protein C and S levels among patients with thalassemia intermediate compared to the control group, there is an increased risk of thromboembolic events in patients with thalassemia intermediate.