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Carotid intima‐media thickness is increased and related to arterial stiffening in patients with beta‐thalassaemia major
Author(s) -
Cheung Y. F.,
Chow P. C.,
Chan G. C.,
Ha S. Y.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2006.06349.x
Subject(s) - intima media thickness , medicine , cardiology , beta (programming language) , beta thalassaemia , stiffening , hemoglobinopathy , carotid arteries , hemolytic anemia , thalassemia , materials science , computer science , programming language , composite material
Summary An increased iron store has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis. The carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), stiffness index, Young's elastic modulus (YEM), and augmentation index were determined in 20 patients with beta‐thalassaemia major. Compared with controls, patients had greater IMT ( P < 0·001), YEM ( P = 0·005), and stiffness ( P = 0·009) and augmentation ( P = 0·03) indices. The odds ratio for increased IMT in patients was 39. Carotid IMT correlated with YEM ( P = 0·036), stiffness index ( P = 0·036) and augmentation index ( P = 0·006). Multivariate analysis identified patient status ( P < 0·001) as the only significant determinant of IMT. These findings suggest the possibility of premature atherosclerosis in beta‐thalassaemia major patients.