Higher Hospitalization Rate for Lower Airway Infection in Transfusion-Naïve Thalassemia Children

Abstract

Few studies have addressed the risk of infection in transfusion-naïve thalassemia patients. We aimed to investigate whether transfusion-naïve thalassemia population has higher hospitalization rates for lower airway infection-related diseases than non-thalassemia population in children. A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using detailed medical records of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Transfusion-naïve thalassemia patients were compared with a matched cohort at a ratio of 1:4. Data of the selected patients were adjusted for age, sex, and related comorbidities. We recorded the frequency of admissions or outpatient clinic visits for patients with a diagnosis of pneumonia or acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis. Based on our results, the hospitalization rates and incidence rate ratios of bronchitis/bronchiolitis and pneumonia for transfusion-naïve thalassemia children were all higher than those for non-thalassemia controls. Therefore, we conclude that transfusion-naïve thalassemia children are more likely to experience lower airway infections and have a higher probability of hospitalization for these conditions.

Pediatric thalassemic patients have higher incidence of asthma: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

“…Regarding the possible mechanism of thalassemia in children with higher risk of asthma, Palma-Carlos et al [ 21 ] stated that the hemorheological changes in thalassemia include greater rigidity of red blood cells in the capillary bed, which can contribute to changes in bronchial circulation and bronchial hyperactivity yet without solid evidence. Recently, we found that thalassemic patients had a higher incidence of low respiratory tract infection [ 35 ], which may be linked to a higher incidence of asthma or asthma exacerbation [ 36 , 37 ].…”