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

BACKGROUND: Frequent blood transfusion in patients with beta thalassemia major can lead to iron overload especially in liver. Chronic iron overload could cause cirrhosis of the liver. Transfusion- transmitted hepatitis B and C also could develop cirrhosis in individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross- sectional descriptive study is to assess hepatomegaly and liver enzymes in 100 patients with beta thalassemia major, ages between 2-18 years old. The study was carried out retrospectively. One hundred medical records have chosen from 400 samples of thalassemia major patients, who are under a regular care of the department of sarvar clinic. RESULTS: Out of these patients, 55% were male and 45% female. The mean age of thalassemia patients was 10.8± 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 had hepatomegaly. The mean and S. D of AST and ALT were 95± 70 IU/L and 70 ±35U/L respectively. Splenectomy was performed on 44% of patient. CONCLUSION: Hepatomegaly is one of the most common findings in the thalassemic patient that induced with hemosiderosis and hepatitis.