Assessment Hepatomegaly and liver Enzymes in 100 Patients with beta Thalassemia Major in Mashhad, Iran

BACKGROUND Frequent blood transfusion in patients with beta thalassemia major can lead to iron overload especially in liver. Chronic iron overload could cause cirrhosis of the liver. Transfusion- transmitted hepatitis B and C also could develop cirrhosis in individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present cross- sectional descriptive study is to assess hepatomegaly and liver enzymes in 100 patients with beta thalassemia major, ages between 2-18 years old. The study was carried out retrospectively. One hundred medical records have chosen from 400 samples of thalassemia major patients, who are under a regular care of the department of sarvar clinic. RESULTS Out of these patients, 55% were male and 45% female. The mean age of thalassemia patients was 10.8± 4.4 years. The mean and S. D of hemoglobin, ferritin, deferoxamine dosage was 8.5 ± 1.5g/dl , 2183 ± 1528 ng , 30 ± 11.16 mg/kg, respectively. Forty six percent of them had hepatomegaly. The mean and S. D of AST and ALT were 95± 70 IU/L and 70 ±35U/L respectively. Splenectomy was performed on 44% of patient. CONCLUSION Hepatomegaly is one of the most common findings in the thalassemic patient that induced with hemosiderosis and hepatitis.