Oxidative stress in pediatric patients with β thalassemia major

Abstract

Background β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a common inherited hemolytic type of anemia. Repeated blood transfusions predispose β-TM patients toward peroxidative tissue injury because of secondary iron overload. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of iron overload on antioxidant enzymes and liver cell damage in β-TM patients undergoing regular blood transfusions. Patients and methods This prospective case–control cohort study included 30 pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of β-TM on regular blood transfusions and 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy children attending the Qena University Hospital, Pediatric Clinic. Blood samples were withdrawn from each patient to measure serum levels of ferritin, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Results Total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and ferritin levels were significantly higher in the β-TM group (P Conclusion Impaired levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPX in patients with β-TM on repeated transfusion, in addition to excessive free iron concentration, iron overload may attribute to oxidative damage in these patients. Antioxidant systems that compensate for reduced lipid peroxidation to lower tissue damage are needed.