Evaluating the Prevalence of Endocrinopathies and Metabolic Disorders in Patients Suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia in Kerman

Sickle Cell Disease, Hemoglobinopathy which often requires frequent blood transfusions, is an excessive deposition of iron in the tissues, often resulting in endocrine disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endocrinopathies and metabolic disorders in patients suffering from sickle cell anemia in Kerman. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 patients, suffering from sickle cell anemia. An information form was completed for all patients and blood samples were obtained for laboratory tests such as fasting blood sugar, serum TSH level, free T4 level, serum LH and FSH levels, serum PTH, total Ca, P and serum prolactin levels. Serum testosterone- and serum estradiol levels were checked separately, based on gender. Results were compared with normal laboratory tests, and statistically analyzed. In this study, sickle cell anemia patients, aged 14–59 were evaluated. None of the patients had diabetes mellitus. Hypothyroidism was observed in 24.2% of patients, hypoparathyroidism in 12.5%, hypogonadism in 21.2% and hyperprolactinemia in 53%. Overall, 65.1% were found to be suffering from endocrine disorders. Statistically significant differences were seen between endocrinopathies and age. Results showed age to be the important factor in endocrine disorders. Timely and appropriate treatments (including blood transfusion and receiving iron chelators) can evidently reduce iron overload in these patients and prevent its endocrine complications.