COVID-19 Serological Status in Beta-thalassemia Patients in Iran: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Background: Patients with beta-thalassemia (BT) are more prone to infections than others, especially when they have some risk factors. Some reports showed the lower severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in this population. Objectives: In study, we aimed determine serological status COVID-19 BT patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted September 2020-February 2021 at Ali-Asghar Children's Hospital, Iran. All major and intermedia β-thalassemia patients dependent on blood transfusion were enrolled study. Demographic information, including age, gender, thalassemia type, history splenectomy, recorded a checklist. Moreover, asked about their exposure COVID-19, related symptoms, such as cough, fever, headache, anosmia, last six months. The cases examined for anti-COVID-19 IgM IgG against virus. Results: positive tests 35.7% (25/70) 20% (14/70) cases, respectively, while 42.9% (30/70) either IgM- or IgG-positive. Among serologically had least one symptom suspicious COVID-19. These included two coughs, dyspnea, cough anosmia. Only hospitalized (1%) fever dyspnea. No Intensive Care Unit admission mortality reported. Conclusions: It seems that is likely be mild asymptomatic BT.