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

BackgroundFrequent blood transfusion in patients with beta thalassemia major can lead to iron overloadespecially in liver. Chronic iron overload could cause cirrhosis of the liver. Transfusiontransmittedhepatitis B and C also could develop cirrhosis in individuals.Materials and MethodsThe present cross- sectional descriptive study is to assess hepatomegaly and liver enzymes in 100patients with beta thalassemia major, ages between 2-18 years old. The study was carried outretrospectively. One hundred medical records have chosen from 400 samples of thalassemiamajor patients, who are under a regular care of the department of sarvar clinic.ResultsOut of these patients, 55% were male and 45% female. The mean age of thalassemia patients was10.8 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 hadhepatomegaly. The mean and S. D of AST and ALT were 95± 70 IU/L and 70 ±35U/Lrespectively. Splenectomy was performed on 44% of patient.ConclusionHepatomegaly is one of the most common findings in the thalassemic patient that induced withhemosiderosis and hepatitis.