Humeral immune system state in ß thalassemia major

Aim To investigate the humeral immune markers in patients with ß-thalassemia major (TM). Methods In this historical – cohort study (August to December 2007), the case group consisted of 34 TM patients and the control group included the same number of their gender and age matched healthy siblings. Serum levels of CH50, C3, C4, IgE, IgG,IgA,IgM and also ASO & Isohemaglutinin titers were determined and compared between the case and control groups (P3000ng/ml had lower C4 and CH50 levels. C4-level in male patients was significantly lower. Conclusion This study indicated that there were no significant changes in humeral immune markers in the patients with ß-thalassemia major compared to the controls, except in the case of IgA which was higher in the TM patients. It seems that there is no need for routine survey of immunoglobulins and complement levels in thalassemic patients in order to detect immunodeficiency