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Cardiac study in thalassemic children
P Sudhas Na Ayuthya1, B Pongpanich, T Damrongwatna
1Department of Pediatrics, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Birth Defects Original Article Series
|January 1, 1987
Insights
Pediatric thalassemia can significantly impact heart function, with over half of affected children showing cardiac abnormalities. Anemia severity directly correlates with the degree of cardiomegaly in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by reduced hemoglobin production.
- Cardiac complications are a significant concern in children with thalassemia, potentially affecting long-term outcomes.
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of cardiac dysfunction in pediatric thalassemia is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiac function in a cohort of children diagnosed with thalassemia.
- To determine the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities using various diagnostic methods.
- To explore the relationship between anemia severity and cardiac findings, specifically cardiomegaly.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography was utilized to assess structural and functional cardiac parameters.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) was performed to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart.
- Chest X-rays were analyzed to detect cardiomegaly (enlarged heart).
- Data from 54 pediatric patients aged 3-18 years were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Cardiac abnormalities were detected in 58% of the children via echocardiography.
- Electrocardiography revealed abnormalities in 15% of the patients.
- Cardiomegaly was identified in 24% of the children through chest radiography.
- A significant correlation was observed between the severity of anemia and the extent of cardiomegaly.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric thalassemia is frequently associated with cardiac dysfunction, manifesting in a high percentage of affected children.
- Echocardiography is a sensitive tool for detecting cardiac abnormalities in this population.
- The direct correlation between anemia severity and cardiomegaly underscores the systemic impact of thalassemia on cardiovascular health in children.
Abstract:
Cardiac function was studied in 54 thalassemic children, aged 3 to 18 years. Abnormalities were found by echocardiography in 58%, by electrocardiography in 15%, and by chest film cardiomegaly in 24%. There was a correlation between the severity of anemia and the degree of cardiomegaly.