Thyroid function in major thalassemia patients: Is it related to height and chelation therapy?

Background: One of the most common endocrine problems in major beta-thalassemia is hypothyroidism (HT). The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid function status in major beta-thalassemia patients older than 10 years old. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on thalassemia major patients registered on Thalassemia Center of Amirkola Children Hospital in Babol. A questionnaire was filled out by the patients to evaluate the demographic information, quality of their last transfusions and chelation therapy. Growth parameters were evaluated. We assessed serum T-4, TSH, T3RU and FTI in all patients and those with hypothyroidism, anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid proxidase antibodies were checked. Results: One hundred-thirty patients (56 males and 74 females) were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 20.95 +/- 7.8 years. Short stature was seen in 41(31.3%) patients. In 53(40.8%) patients, weight was under normal range. HT was found in 19 patients (14.6%); 2 primary overt HT, 3 secondary HT and 14 subclinical HT were detected. No patient with HT had significant serum level of anti-thyroid antibodies. Correlation between HT and serum ferritin level was not significant (p=0.584) but it was significant for HT and short statures (p=0.002), also regular transfusion and chelation therapy were correlated with ferritin level. Conclusion: High prevalence of HT among thalassemic patients signifies the importance of regular screening for evaluation of endocrine function in these patients; especially when short stature is present.