TITLE:
Ischemia Modified Albumin and C-Reactive Protein in Children with β-Thalassemia Major
AUTHORS:
Wessam M. Moftah, Ensaf K. Mohammed, Amal A. Morsy, Asmaa A. Ibrahim
KEYWORDS:
β-Thalassemia Major, Ischemia Modified Albumin, CRP, Oxidative Stress
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.10 No.3,
September
4,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: Beta-thalassemia
is a hereditary haemoglobinopathy caused by defective hemoglobin (Hb) β-globin synthesis, leading to excess α-globin chains that cause hemolysis and
impair erythropoiesis. Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) is not a signal protein and
not generated in pro-inflammatory state alone but rather an end product of oxidative
stress. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate ischemia modified
albumin (IMA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with β-thalassemia major and its relation to different
iron chelators. Patients and Methods: The study was carried on 40 children
diagnosed as beta-thalassemia major recruited from the outpatient clinic and the
pediatric department, at Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Faculty of medicine for
Girls, Al-Azhar University and EL Minia Insurance Hospital. They were 20 male and
20 female, aged from 4 - 11 years. Another 40 apparently healthy children age and
sex matched as control group. CRP and IMA were determined for all participants. Results: There were significant increases in serum CRP, IMA and ferritin levels
in patients group compared to control group. There were significant decreases of
IMA and CRP levels of thalassemic patients on chelation deferiprone (DFP) compared
to deferasirox (DFX) P-value (Conclusion: IMA, CRP and Serum ferritin were higher in children
with β-thalassemia major than controls.
Moreover, IMA and CRP levels in thalassemic children on deferiprone (DFP) were significantly
lower compared with children on deferasirox (DFX). So it could be considered as
useful markers in the follow up assessment of thalassemic patients for early detection
of complications.