Introduction: Thalassemia is an inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis. Regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy have noticeably prolonged survival in thalassemic patients.^[1] Despite a significant increase in the lifespan of these patients, they suffer from multiple abnormalities probably due to iron overload, including endocrinal abnormalities such as hypogonadism, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.^[2]  The pattern of levels of vitamin D levels among the patients with thalassemia major undergoing repeated blood transfusions remain unexplored. Very few studies have been undertaken among Indian population.

Methodology: It is a prospective study and was conducted at St George hospital, Mumbai,on diagnosed patients of thalassemia major admitted to the pediatric wards. Duration of the study was 3 months and 36 patients were included.

Inclusion Criteria

1. All admitted patients of thalassemia major aged 12 years and below.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Chronic hemolyticanemia apart from thalassemia major
2. Those that was very sick
3. Those suffering from malnutrition
4. Those who were on supplementation of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin d .

Patients who were willing to participate and sign the inform consent were enrolled in the study. Serum 25 hydroxyvit D levels were done using CLIA.

Results: The mean age of the studied thalassemia patients was 8.76 ± 3.7 years with no gender preponderance. Mean (SD) Vitamin D levels was 16.26 ±8.75 and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: It is evident from the present study that the levels of vitamin D are deficient among β-thalassemia major patients on repeated blood transfusion. The deficiencies may be due to iron overload or due to nutritional deficiency. Frequent monitoring and supplementation in deficient states is recommended.

Keywords: Beta Thalassemia major, Vitamin D levels.

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Jyothi Janardhanan

M.D. Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Grant Govt Medical College, Mumbai, India

Postal Address: Kallelam House, Kozhummal, Kannur, Kerala, Pin: 670521