Abstract

Objective: To investigate the possible effect of multiple blood transfusions on different hormones with respect to age and sex in thalassemic children.
Methodology: An experimental study was conducted over 12 months in Allied Hospital, Ali Zeb Foundation, and Thalassemia centre in Hilal-e-Ahmar Hospital, Faisalabad. A total number of 80 children were included in this study. They were divided into two groups, containing forty β-thalassemic patients and forty healthy controls. Each group was further subdivided based on sex and age, so that in each subgroup there were ten subjects of same sex with age ranging from 0-5 years and 6-10 years. Blood samples from all the children were withdrawn and analyzed for serum hormones levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone, estradiol and progesterone. All the data was analyzed by using Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The values of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), testosterone, and estradiol were significantly (p < 0.01) lower irrespective of age and sex in thalassemic children when compared to normal children. However, the progesterone level was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in thalassemic children than normal control.
Conclusions: Multiple blood transfusions induce various endocrinopathies in thalassemic children. Regular evaluation of oxidants and antioxidants status and hormones should be carried out in thalassemic patients during initial few years of life.

Key words: Thalassemia, blood transfusions, hormones, children