Evaluation of Serum Insulin, Glucose and Liver Function in β-Thalassemia Major and Their Correlation with Iron Overload

Abstract

Background: Beta-thalassemia syndromes are a set of hereditary blood disorders marked by a deficiency of betaglobin chain synthesis, resultant in decrease hemoglobin in red blood cells [RBC], anemia, and a reduced RBC production Aim of the work: To evaluate glycometabolic and liver function in cases with β-thalassemia major and their correlation with serum iron and ferritin Patients and methods: This was a case-control study that was performed in the pediatric department of Al-Azher University Hospital in Damietta from June 2018 to June 2019. Fasting serum glucose, insulin, and liver enzymes were assessed for 48 cases and 40 ordinary controls. Serum iron and ferritin were recorded as an indicator of iron overload Results: Fasting serum insulin, alanine transaminase [ALT] levels, aspartate transaminase [AST] levels were significantly high in thalassemia major [TM] cases than in the control group [P<0.05 for all].As showed, the serum iron and serum ferritin showed a highly significant increase in the patients' group more than the control group. Conclusion:The kids with β-TM have a high glycemic disorders incidence rate, may be because of the insulin resistance due to the amplified iron burden.