Correlation of serum lipid profile with serum iron, TIBC & ferritin levels in beta thalassemia major patients. Background- Beta thalassemia major, a common disorder, causes severe anemia. This is treated by regular blood transfusion, leading to iron overload and increased serum ferritin. There is considerable variation between studies as to the serum lipid levels in these patients. Aims- The study was carried out to observe the alteration of serum lipid levels and also whether the alteration could be correlated with ferritin and other hematological indices. Methods and materials-The study was carried out on 50 beta thalassemia major patients and 47 controls. Estimation of serum lipid profile, iron, ferritin, TIBC (Total iron binding capacity), hemoglobin and hematocrit was done. Statistical analysis-Data analysis was performed using standard methods. Results-Compared to controls, the cases had significantly higher ferritin and significantly lower HDL-C (high density lipoprotein- cholesterol) levels. There was inverse correlation between high ferritin and low HDL-C levels. Conclusion-Taken together, high ferritin and low HDL-C levels might be important predictors for mortality in thalassemia.
Keywords: Iron, Lipid profile, TIBC, ferritin, thalassemia
