Abstract

Context: Thalassemia is a group of inherited hemoglobin disorders characterized by reduced synthesis of one or more of the globin chains leading to imbalanced globin synthesis which is the major factor in determining the severity of the disease in the thalassemia syndromes. The objectives of this study was to analyze the anemia and biochemical profile in thalassemia major patients as very few studies have been done in this region of country. Aims: Determination of anemia and biochemical profile of thalassemia patients. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods and Material: The study was done at a tertiary care hospital from January 2014 to December 2014. 35 thalassemia major patients who received blood transfusions in the hospital were included in this study. Complete blood count, Peripheral Smear Examination, Serum Ferritin and Fasting plasma glucose was done. Statistical analysis used: The data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Categorical data was expressed in terms of rates, ratios and percentage. Results: Male to female ratio of 4:1. About 51.43 % of patients were aged between 10 to 12 years. Mean hemoglobin was 6.8 gm±1.08 gm% and peripheral smear examination showed microcytic hypochromic anemia in most of the patients (74.29%)The raised serum ferritin levels were noted in 94.29% of the patients. The activity of all the liver enzymes AST, ALT and ALP were raised. Conclusions: The patients with transfusion dependent thalassemia major are at risk of developing severe anemia and biochemical abnormalities. Hence screening is essential as per guidelines.

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