Cardiac disease in beta-thalassaemia major: is it reversible?
Document Type
Article
Department
Emergency Medicine; Paediatrics and Child Health; Haematology/Oncology
Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of cardiac involvement and its outcome in beta-thalassaemia major.
Methods
There were 75 patients with a mean age of 13.8 (+/- 5.5) years, of whom 33 were male and 42 were female. Clinical history, examination and laboratory investigations were assessed. Electrocardiograms, chest radiographs and echocardiograms were reviewed.
Results
44 patients had cardiac involvement in the form of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in 17, diastolic dysfunction in 22, pericardial effusion in 12 and pulmonary hypertension in 12 patients. With intense chelation therapy and cardiac medications, the condition of 13 of 17 patients with systolic dysfunction, and four of 22 with diastolic dysfunction, improved.
Conclusion
Cardiac disease is a common complication of siderotic disease in thalassaemia major and it can be prevented with regular chelation. This study has shown improved systolic function after regular chelation therapy.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Singapore Medical Journal
Recommended Citation
Atiq, M.,
Bana, M.,
Ahmed, U. S.,
Bano, S.,
Hanif, M.,
Yousuf, M.,
Fadoo, Z.,
Khurshid, M.
(2006). Cardiac disease in beta-thalassaemia major: is it reversible?. Singapore Medical Journal, 47(8), 693-696.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_emerg_med/184
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.