Evaluation of the Correlation between Echocardiographic Findings and Serum Ferritin in Thalassemia Major Patients

INTRODUCTION: Thalassemia is a disorder that affects beta globin gene production and the resultant need for erythrocyte transfusions puts the patient at risk for iron loading, especially cardiac iron loading. Cardiac complications are the most serious ones accompanied by morbidity and mortality. The most harm to the heart is caused by iron overload. Ferritin is generally associated with the amount of stored iron in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between echocardiographic findings and serum ferritin level.

MATERIALS & METHODS: 107 patients with thalassemia major were enrolled in this prospective analytical study. Serum ferritin levels and echocardiographic findings (diastolic, systolic, pulmonary artery pressure, valvular dysfunctions) were assessed. The data were analyzed by spearman statistical test.

RESULTS: Serum ferritin levels of the thalassemia major patients in the study were 2419.13±1772.65 ng/ml. there wasn’t any significant relationship between echocardiographic findings and serum ferritin level.

CONCLUSION: Although our findings didn’t support the association between ferritin level and echocardiographic data but we suggest serial cardiac assessment to prevent the effect of increasing iron on the heart.