Hypogonadism: a major contributor to reduced height in beta-thalassaemia

Platelet function in beta-thalassaemia major.

Abnormal platelet aggregation was found in eight (44%) of 18 patients with beta-thalassaemia major and transfusional iron overload. The aggregation defect bore no correlation with the degree of hepatic fibrosis, liver function tests, whether or not splenectomy had been performed, the degree of iron overload, haematocrit, platelet count, serum vitamin E level, or leucocyte ascorbate concentratio...

Left ventricular function in beta thalassaemia major.

The left ventricular dimension and posterior wall dynamics were studied by computer assisted analysis of M mode echocardiography in 25 normal children (group 1) and 32 transfusion dependent children with beta thalassaemia major who had no evidence of heart failure (group 2). Twenty seven of those in group 2 remained well but five died of cardiac decompensation within 12 months. Compared with gr...

Angioid streaks in a case of beta thalassaemia major.

Occurrence of circulating immune complexes in beta-thalassaemia major.

The presence of circulating soluble immune complexes and the level of complement were investigated in sera from 21 patients with beta-thalassaemia major, including both splenectomised and nonsplenectomised patients. A high level of immune complexes was found in half of these cases. Reduced complement levels were seen less frequently. There was no correlation between the presence of circulating ...

Iron overload in Beta thalassaemia major and intermedia patients.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND In beta thalassaemia major multiple blood transfusions, ineffective erythropoiesis and increased gastrointestinal iron absorption lead to iron overload in the body. Iron overload impairs the immune system, placing patients at greater risk of infection and illness. Iron overload can be determined by serum ferritin measurement. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to...