title: Status of Superoxide Dismutase in Transfusion Dependent Thalassaemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thalassemia is a collection of genetic impairments in beta and alpha genes causing various states of anemia. Severe types of the disease need lifelong transfusions, leading to oxidant-antioxidant disturbance due to massive iron deposits.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and ferritin levels of thalassemia major patients in a peripheral health facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two hundred and nine probands were recruited and performed laboratory experiments for SOD and Ferritin levels. Chelation administration and clinical score were taken from interviewing the family and from medical report data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study showed that SOD intensity was lower (162.41 u/ml) compared to the normal cutoff point (P = 0.001), while the mean of Ferritin levels was ten times over the normal value (4226,67 ng/dl). Observations also reported that chelation medicine was not administrated properly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data indicates that thalassemic patients have oxidant-antioxidant uproar due to oxidative stress. Monitored chelating administration, selective antioxidant, and a well-balanced diet may prevent oxidative injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty of Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, Indonesia.
authors.forename: Lantip
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rujito
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric, Sardjito National Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
authors.forename: Sri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mulatsih
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty of Yayasan Rumah Sakit Islam Indonesia University, Jakarta, Indonesia.
authors.forename: Abdul Salam M
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Sofro
keywords: Oxidant-antioxidant; superoxide dismutase; thalassaemia