title: Plasma beta-2-microglobulin and fibronectin levels in beta-thalassaemia.
abstract: The plasma beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) levels in 118 children with thalassaemia were investigated. The mean level was higher than in healthy children. A significant increase of beta 2-MG was associated with hypersplenism (3.14 +/- 0.6 mg/l). The beta 2-MG levels appeared to reflect reticuloendothelial system activity but were not related to iron overload. Fibronectin levels were generally lower than in healthy adults; profound chronic fibronectin depletion was not accompanied by an increased liability to infection.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000097:blood*; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D006971:Hypersplenism / Q000378:metabolism; D007223:Infant; D013156:Splenectomy; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D005353:Fibronectins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin