Prevalence of hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism in patients with ß thalassemia in Iran

Background and objectivesThalassemia is the most common hereditary anemia in our region. Due to thalassemia-driven abnormality in synthesis of globin chains in red blood cells, these globules do not lead a natural life and will die immediately. Appropriate therapy of thalassemia includes a regular monthly blood transfusion. However, patients will inevitably confront with several side effects particularly iron overload and iron sedimentation in body critical organs and tissues including heart, ductless glands and liver. The aim of the present study is to determine more precisely the frequency of adenoidal abnormality in Iranian thalassemia patients by examining a higher number of samples. So that early diagnosis and necessary treatment measures would be more likely. Materials and MethodsThis descriptive research included all thalassemia major patients having referred to medical centers affliated to Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. The sampling was census-based. First of all, reports of adenoidal tests as well as other associated parameters were achieved from medical folders. ResultsOut of 437 thalassemic patients, 10 (1%) suffered from hypothyroidism and one from hypoparathyroidism. 80% of hypothyroid and 100% of hypoparathyroid patients were affected by thalassemia major. Ferritin average in hypothyroid and non- hypothyroid groups had no significant difference. ConclusionsThe results showed that screening platelet concentrates for bacterial contamination is necessary for blood transfusion centers and hospital blood banks. The comparison of the results of this sudy compared with others showed that a lower number of thalassemic patients live in Iran compared with other countries.