Association of lung function by spirometry with serum ferritin in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: β-thalassemia major is an inherited, transfusion-dependent chronic anemia which is caused by decreased production of β-globin chains required for formation of hemoglobin. Regular blood transfusion is most important factors that help in improving the survival of patients with TM; however, it leads to iron deposition in many organs such as lung. Most studied concerned about effect of iron on lung functions, revealed abnormalities, but limited data were observed. The aim of our study was to determine pulmonary function abnormalities in children with thalassemia major and assess the relation between these abnormalities and iron overload. Methods: This study had included 51 children in each group, aged between 6 and 18 years (28 males and 23 females) with TM. All included children were subjected to full clinical examination and laboratory investigations including complete blood counts and serum ferritin. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were assessed in all included children using spirometry. Results: 31.4% patients had restrictive lung functions. Spirometer parameters i.e., FEF25-75% (p value≤0.0001) and PEFR (%pred) (p value≤0.0001) had significant difference in both groups. FEF25-75% and PEFR had no effect of serum ferritin. Conclusions: The lung may be considered a site for organ damage, and alteration of pulmonary function may be expected in transfusion-dependent patients in spite of no pulmonary symptoms or normal chest X-ray.