Does Thyroid dysfunction correlates with iron overload in Eβ thalassemia patients? A study from a tertiary care thalassemia center in India

Background and Aim: Large number of Haemoglobin E-beta thalassaemia (Hb E/β-thalassaemia) patients show iron overloads and related end-organ damage irrespective of transfusion requirements. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in Indian population is approximately 11%. We studied the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and iron overload in Hb E/β-thalassaemia. Materials and Methods: The study included Eβ-thalassemia patients above the age of 10 years. Patient's serum ferritin level evaluated for the evaluation of iron status and thyroid-stimulating hormone, FT4, T3 for thyroid function status. Results: The study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2017. Of 50 Eβ-thalassemia patients, there were 22 females; the mean age was 19 years (range: 12–47 years). A total of 22 (44%) patients showed thyroid dysfunction; overt hypothyroidism seen in 6 (12%) patients with mean ferritin level of 1077 ng/ml and subclinical hypothyroidism seen in 16 (32%) patients with mean ferritin level of 1200 ng/ml. Normal thyroid function seen in 28 (56%) of patients with mean ferritin level of 1155 ng/ml. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was found to be higher in Hb E/β-thalassaemia patients, but a definite correlation with the serum ferritin level could not be established.