Bone mineral density in beta-thalassemia major and intermedia.

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in patients with thalassemia major and intermedia, and to correlate them with biochemical and hematological profile. DESIGN 106 thalassemic patients (49 major and 57 intermedia) were scanned by dual energy xray absorptiometry technique for BMD and BMC at lumbar spine and femoral neck. The effects of sex, transfusion/chelation program as well as hemoglobin, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and serum ferritin level were also evaluated on BMD and BMC. RESULTS Patients with thalassemia major and intermedia, younger than 20 yr, showed lower BMD and BMC in the lumbar region (p < 0.05). Both parameters correlated significantly with hemoglobin level; other biochemical and hematological parameters did not influence BMD and BMC values. CONCLUSION Bone marrow density is a good index of bone status in patients with Thalassemia and should be done in these patients annually.