Vitamin D and calcium deficiency and its relationship with cardiac function in patients with beta thalassemia

Heart disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with beta thalassemia. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency also is common in these patients. We studied and compared vitamin D and calcium levels and other parameters with echocardiographic findings in patients with beta thalassemia. A cross-sectional study in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia was conducted. 169 patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia were enrolled. Ejection fraction, valvular insufficiency and aortic diameter were determined. The aortic diameter of patients was measured using Mindray DC60 echo model. All of these patients were tested for levels of vitamin D, calcium (Ca), parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), platelet (PLT), and ferritin, Finally, the effect of these factors on aortic root (AR), aortic valve area (AVA) and ejection fraction (EF) was evaluated. One-way ANOVA was used to compare quantitative variables, and chi-square test with 95% confidence level was used to estimate relationships and compare ratios in groups. There was a statistically significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and Serum Ca (P-value = 0.009). Our results showed that with the increase in the level of vitamin D, the EF also increased and the probability that the aortic root will have a normal size will be higher. Furthermore, disorder in PTH and PLT level causes a decrease in the EF. This study did show an association between Vitamin D deficiency and cardiac function in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Vitamin D can be considered as a supplement in thalassemia patients.