Frequency of hypothyroidism in patients of beta-thalassaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in patients suffering from homozygous beta-thalassaemia.


METHODS
This descriptive study included 70 diagnosed thalassaemia major patients aged 5-14 years. Demographic data as well as history of blood transfusion and chelation therapy was collected. Random blood samples were drawn and thyroid profile (serum thyroxine [T4], triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations [TSH]) was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Primary hypothyroidism was defined by a TSH level > 4 microIU/ml. Results were analysed by descriptive statistical methods.


RESULTS
Primary hypothyroidism was seen in 18 (25.7%) patients. Of these, 17 had normal T4 levels with elevated TSH levels consistent with a diagnosis of compensated primary hypothyroidism whereas only one patient showed a decreased T4 level with elevated TSH (uncompensated primary hypothyroidism). Mean age of hypothyroid patients was 9.2 +/- 2.6 years. Frequency of hypothyroidism was associated with increased serum ferritin levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary hypothyroidism occurs in a significant proportion of thalassaemia major patients in the absence of obvious clinical signs of hypothyroidism. Regular follow-up for early detection and timely treatment of such complications could improve the quality of life of these patients.
Malik
Sara Ahmed
SA
Department of Pathology, Ziauddin University, Shahrah-e-Ghalib, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan.
Syed
Serajuddaula
S
Ahmed
Nisar
N
D000293:Adolescent; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*