STUDY OF SERUM FERRITIN LEVELS IN 243 MAJOR THALASSEMIC PATIENTS VISITED AT AHWAZ THALASSEMIA RESEACH CENTER, FROM 1378 TO 1379

The aim of this study was determination of the rate of iron over load and adequacy of desferral usage by major thalassemic patients, and to determiae in serum ferritin levels of 243 patients. Age of patients was 4 to 16 yr years and location of study was clinic of Ahwaz Thalassemia Research Center. All of the patients precisely assessed in clinic for transfusion of blood and followed up of disease. Method of measuring serum ferritin was IRMA, and false positive cases of serum ferritin levels were excluded from the study. It was found that in spit of taking of desferral to patients. As necessarily medications, treatment outcomes were not successfull.Only 20% of patients had acceptable iron load, and serum ferritin levels of them was lesser than 2000 μgr/lit, 30% of patients had serum ferritin levels of 2000-4000 μgr/Lit that this level is unacceptable. By supervision and regulation of desferral dosages and cooperation of a social worker it will be improved. In 50% of patients serum ferritin level was greater than 4000 μgr/Lit and this group of patients are at high risk and should refer for reducing of iron load wgently and admed for treatment in collaboration with a social workers.