Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is emerging threat to patients with thalassemia. Adequate circulating levels of vitamin D are essential for optimal skeletal health and reducing fracture risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 25-OH- vitamin D levels in patients of thalassemia and compare its prevalence to healthy children. Methodology: In a case control study, 50 patients with beta thalassemia major (aged from 3 to 18 years) were compared with 50 sex and age matched children serves as a control group. Anthropometric measurement, Serum level of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone and 25-OH-vitamin D (25 hydroxycholecalciferol) were estimated for all patients & controls. Results: 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency was observed in 98% cases and 68% in control group. Difference in mean vitamin D levels between cases and controls was statistically significant (p<0.05). Weight and body mass index were significantly (p<0.05) lower in cases. Patient with beta thalassemia major compare to control had significantly (p<0.05) higher level of alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone level. Conclusion: Thalassemia is associated with increased prevalence of 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency resulting in poor growth and quality of life in these children. This signifies the importance of therapeutic intervention.
Highlights
Vitamin D deficiency is emerging threat to patients with thalassemia
Frequent blood transfusion may cause iron overload which may result in hemosiderosis, the later may be a cause of Manuscript received: 20th July 2016 Reviewed: 7th August 2016 Author Corrected; 20th August 2016 Accepted for Publication: 4th September 2016 hypogonadism, diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism and other endocrine abnormalities [4]
Adequate circulating levels of vitamin D are essential for optimal skeletal health and reducing fracture risk
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is emerging threat to patients with thalassemia. Adequate circulating levels of vitamin D are essential for optimal skeletal health and reducing fracture risk. Thalassemia is an inherited autosomal recessive blood disorder of hemoglobin synthesis due to mutations of the globin gene, leading to various degrees of quantitative defect in globin production and reduced synthesis or complete absence of one or more of globin chains, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis and anemia [1,2]. Their clinical severity widely varies, ranging from asymptomatic forms to severe or even fatal entities. Vitamin D is critical for calcium homeostasis and for mineralization of the skeleton, especially during periods of rapid growth, namely infantile and pubertal growth periods
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