DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the relationship between transfusion frequency, serum ferritin levels, and hepatomegaly in beta-thalassemia major patients.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study conducted from January 2023 to June 2023 at the Thalassemia Center, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. 158 beta-thalassemia major patients aged up to 19 years were included. Data on hematological parameters and hepatomegaly were collected. Statistical analysis included the Chi-square test for association between ferritin levels and hepatomegaly, and Pearson's correlation for the relationship between ferritin levels and transfusion frequency. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Recruit 158 Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients Age ≤ 19"] --> B["Collect Data: Hematological Parameters, Hepatomegaly"];
    B --> C["Analyze Data using SPSS v22"];
    C --> D["Pearson's Correlation: Transfusion Frequency vs. Serum Ferritin"];
    C --> E["Chi-Square Test: Serum Ferritin vs. Hepatomegaly"];
    D --> F["Identify Correlation Strength and Significance"];
    E --> G["Identify Association Significance"];
    F --> H["Draw Conclusions"];
    G --> H;
    H --> I["Report Findings"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that higher transfusion rates in thalassemia patients lead to increased serum ferritin levels, which are associated with the development of hepatomegaly. This is attributed to iron overload causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to the liver architecture. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring ferritin levels to detect liver complications and optimize patient care.

Key Findings

- A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the frequency of transfusion and serum ferritin levels (r = 0.71, p<0.05).
- Hepatomegaly was present in 99 (62.65%) of the study participants.
- The difference in hepatomegaly prevalence between low-ferritin (<1500 ng/mL) and high-ferritin (>1500 ng/mL) groups was statistically significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Higher transfusion frequency is associated with elevated serum ferritin levels, which in turn are positively correlated with the presence of hepatomegaly in beta-thalassemia major patients. Regular monitoring of ferritin levels is crucial for identifying and managing liver complications in these patients.

Fact Check

- The study included 158 beta-thalassemia major patients. (Confirmed in Abstract and Material & Methods)
- Hepatomegaly was found in 62.65% of the study participants. (Confirmed in Abstract and Results)
- A statistically significant positive correlation between transfusion frequency and serum ferritin levels was observed with r = 0.71. (Confirmed in Abstract and Results)

Mind Map