EVALUATION OF THYROID FUNCTION IN β- THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To determine the status of thyroid function among β-thalassemia major patients dependent on transfusion. Material And Methods: This descriptive, cross sectional analysis was conducted at Dept. of Pathology (Hematology) - Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro and Thalassemia Centre Hyderabad upon a sample of 114 pre-diagnosed patients of either gender aged 5 and above and suffering from Beta Thalassemia with history of recurrent blood transfusions (more than 20 transfusions or a transfusion history of more than 2 years), chosen via non-probability - consecutive sampling. The laboratory results were recorded onto a pre-structured questionnaire after taking written informed consent. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v. 16. 0 and MS. Excel 360. Results: Among the total 114 patients studied, a majority comprised of females. The mean age, TSH level and FT4 of the sample stood at 12.38 (+5.71 SD) years, 3.53 (+3.67 SD) and 1.34 (+1.16 SD) respectively. An interesting association between serum ferritin level and history of extensive blood transfusions, especially when the transfusions roughly exceeded 300 (P = 0.003). Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can be concluded that Hypothyroidism is common among transfusion dependent β-thalassemia major patients. Key Words: β Thalassemia Major, Blood Transfusion, Endocrinopathy, Hypothyroidism and Serum Ferritin