Open AccessPrevalence of endocrine complications in beta-thalassaemia major in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Author(s) -
Hamdollah Karamifar,
Mahdi Shahriari,
N Sadjadian
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
eastern mediterranean health journal/eastern mediterranean health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.442
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1687-1634
pISSN - 1020-3397
DOI - 10.26719/2003.9.1-2.55
Subject(s) - hypoparathyroidism , medicine , endocrine system , diabetes mellitus , pediatrics , endocrine disease , endocrinology , gastroenterology , hormone
Toidentify the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in Iranians with beta-thalassaemia, we assessed thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic and adrenal function in 150 beta-thalassaemic patients aged 10-22 years at the Paediatrics Unit, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Primary hypothyroidism was found in 6.0% of patients [mean age: 14.6 +/- 1.9 years], hypoparathyroidism in 7.3% [14.5 +/- 3.2 years], type 1 diabetes mellitus in 7.3% [13.9 +/- 2.8 years] and adrenal insufficiency in 1 patient. The relatively high frequency of endocrine dysfunction found in our study may be a result of poor disease control and management in early life when irreversible tissue damage occurs due to iron overload. These findings reinforce the importance of regular follow-up of patients with beta-thalassaemia major for early detection and management of associated complications