Transfusion frequency, ferritin, and carotid intima media thickness in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients
Introduction: The carotid tunica intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an early marker of atherosclerosis and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction also contributed with the increased cardiovascular risk in thalassemia caused by iron accumulation, reduced n...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pensoft Publishers
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Folia Medica |
| Online Access: | https://foliamedica.bg/article/143457/download/pdf/ |
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| Summary: | Introduction: The carotid tunica intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an early marker of atherosclerosis and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction also contributed with the increased cardiovascular risk in thalassemia caused by iron accumulation, reduced nitric oxide, and increased lipid peroxidation. Studies about atherosclerosis markers in thalassemia patients show inconsistent results. Aim: This research assesses cIMT in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and examines its relationship with clinical and laboratory parameters. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted from March to May 2024, in the Therapy and Thalassemia Clinics, Universitas Indonesia Hospital. Ultrasound cIMT measurements were recorded for both the left and right distal common carotid artery walls, 5 mm proximal to the bifurcation. The cIMT diameters were collected from each wall and mean thickness values from both sides. Results: This study included 25 adult thalassemia patients who were diagnosed with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Most subjects were male, with a median age of 25 years, and had an underweight BMI. Patients with underweight BMI had thicker cIMT, both in mean and maximum diameter (p=0.008 and p=0.011, respectively). Conclusion: Additionally, a transfusion frequency of ≥3 per month had a greater maximum diameter cIMT (p=0.046). A moderate positive correlation was observed between average ferritin levels and maximum intima-media thickness (r=0.402, p=0.046). |
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| ISSN: | 1314-2143 |