Predisposing Factors to Infections in Thalassemia Syndrome Patients

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to chronic anemia. Patients, particularly those who are transfusion-dependent, face a heightened risk of infections due to disease-related factors like anemia and treatment-related complications such as iron overload and splenectomy. This study explores the factors contributing to infections in thalassemia patients to improve management strategies.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 303 patients with thalassemia at a tertiary care center from 2007 to 2022. Data were collected on demographics, transfusion dependency, splenectomy status, ferritin levels, vaccination history, and culture results. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify infection risk factors, with significance set at p-value < 0.05.

Out of 303 patients, 72 (23.8%) experienced culture-positive infections, with Escherichia coli being the most isolated pathogen. Patients with infections had significantly higher ferritin levels and were less likely to be on chelation therapy. Chelation therapy was significantly associated with a reduced risk of infection (OR 0.18, p < 0.001). Higher serum albumin levels were also associated with lower odds of infection (OR 0.92, p < 0.001). Mortality was significantly higher among patients with positive cultures compared to those without (22% vs. 3%, p < 0.001).

This study highlights the strong link between iron overload, chelation, and risk of infection in thalassemia patients. Effective management, including proper chelation therapy and monitoring ferritin levels, is critical for reducing infections and improving outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and guide future management strategies.