Lipid profiles in β thalassemic children

Abstract

ObjectivesTo study the pattern of serum lipids in β thalassemic children.Backgroundβ Thalassemia is a common chronic hemolytic anemia in Egypt. Iron overload is a common sequelae in these patients. Abnormal lipid profile patterns have been suggested to occur in thalassemic patients.Materials and methodsForty-two children with β thalassemia (22 thalassemia major and 20 thalassemia intermedia) were included in the present study with 30 matched controls. Complete blood count, kidney function tests (serum creatinine, blood urea), liver function tests (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase), serum ferritin, and 12-h overnight fasting Serum lipid profiles including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) triglycerides were performed for patients and controls.ResultsThe thalassemic children had significantly higher platelets count, WBCs count, serum ferritin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum triglyceride levels, with significantly lower Hb level, RBCs count, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C levels, and LDL/HDL ratio compared with the control group.Conclusionβ Thalassemic children are at risk of developing disturbed lipid profile patterns that could place them at risk for atherosclerosis and thromboembolic events.