The Frequency of β - thalasemia Major Complications in Patients Referred to Kerman Center for Special Diseases during 6 Months

Major β -thalassemia is a chronic and costly disease for health care system. Although regular transfusion reduces the disease complications, it is associated with complications of hemosiderosis. This study was performed to determine β – thalassemia complications in patients referred to Kerman center for special diseases regardless of their age.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on major β-thalassemia patients referred to Samen-al Hojaj institute in Kerman city during winter 2008 to spring 2009. Those with less than 8 blood transfusion sessions in year were excluded. The results of Physical examination, history, demographic information and laboratory tests were recorded for each patient.

In whole, 340 patients were participated of whom, 54.4% were females, 51.76% were below 15 years old, 37.64% were between 16-24 years old and 10.58% were older than 25 years old. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 3.5%. There was no case of hypothyroidism in the age group ≤15 years old. The prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was 8.5%. The most common complication was gonad disorder with the highest prevalence (80.6%) in patients over 25 years old. There was no case of renal or adrenal diseases. The incidence of heart disorders was 9.1% and 2.3% had hepatic disorder that all were older than 15 years old. The prevalence rates of HBV, HCV, HIV were 2.5%, 33% and 0% respectively.

Regarding the direct correlation between age and prevalence of complications, performing routine evaluations especially for those older than 15 years is recommended. Since endocrinopathies and liver and heart diseases are common in adult patients with major β – thalassemia, early diagnosis and regular physical examinations are necessary for prevention of complications.