Effect of iron overload on endocrinopathies in patients with beta-thalassaemia major and intermedia

Abstract

Introduction: Iron overload is a major problem in patients with b-thalassemia major, and it has many structural and metabolic consequences. In this study, we aimed to consider the prevalence of endocrine abnormalities in patients with β-thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia.
Materials and methods: We ordered following tests for consideration endocrine abnormalities: fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance, iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), parathyroid hormone levels.
Results: According to our study including 70 patients with thalassemia major, 7 (10%) had diabetes, 5 (7.1%) had impaired glucose tolerance, 9 (12.8%) had hypothyroidism, 2 (2.8%) had hypoparathyroidism, 2 (2.8%) had hyperparathyroidism. Of 22 patients with thalassemia intermedia, 1 (4.5%) had diabetes.
Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of regular follow-up of patients with b-thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia for early detection and management of associated complications. In this way, the prevalence of endocrine abnormalities can be decreased in future.