Correlation Between Serum Ferritin Levels and Echocardiographic Changes in Children with Beta-thalassaemia Major- A Cross-sectional Analytical Study
SC01-SC05
Correspondence
Prativa Biswas,
408, Purba Sinthee Bye Lane, Dumdum, Kolkata-700030, West Bengal, India.
E-mail: prativa1108@gmail.com
Introduction: Heart failure secondary to iron overload is the leading cause of mortality in patients with beta-thalassaemia major. Prevention of myocardial siderosis is a key step in reducing the rate of mortality in thalassaemia children.
Aim: To study the correlation between serum ferritin levels and echocardiography parameters in children with beta-thalassaemia major.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India, from March 2020 to July 2021. A total of 85 beta-thalassaemia major children aged between 2-12 years, without any active infections or congenital heart diseases, were included in this study. Blood samples were obtained from these children for serum ferritin level assessment, and echocardiography was performed to evaluate their cardiac function. Data were statistically analysed using the Chi-square test.
Results: The mean age of patients was 7.24±2.76 years, and the age range was 1-12 years. The mean serum ferritin levels in the study were 1938.67±992.57, and more than three-fourths of our population had serum ferritin levels above 1000 ng/mL. Thirty percent of the present study population had abnormal echo findings. A significant correlation was noted between serum ferritin levels and echo parameters like Fractional Shortening (FS), Deceleration Time (DT), Early and Late Ratio (E/A), and Left Ventricular Mass (LV Mass). However, a negative correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and Ejection Fraction (EF).
Conclusion: The present study concluded that due to the significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and echocardiographic parameters, it is beneficial to conduct echocardiography in all patients with beta thalassaemia major in their first decade to gain a better understanding of cardiac function.