Serum Lipid Values in Children with Beta Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the blood lipid profile in children with beta-Thalassemia major, and to determine the factors that affect it. Material and Method: Files of eighty-five patients between the ages of five and fifteen with beta-Thalassemia major who were receiving regular chelation therapy followed by from paediatric policlinic of our hospital were examined retrospectively. Blood lipid profiles of fifty-five healthy children were taken for use as the control group. A total of 117 children were enrolled and examined in the study. Findings: Hb and Hct values of the group with Beta-Thalassemia major were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.005). Ferritin values in the group with Beta-Thalassemia major were found to be significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.005). Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with Beta-Thalassemia major than in the control group (p<0.001), while the triglyceride level was found to be higher (p<0.001). Result: We determined a positive correlation between triglyceride and serum ferritin levels. It may indicate excessive iron loading, and changes in blood lipid values in patients with Beta-Thalassemia major.