Publication:

Relationship between serum ferritin levels and hepatic and renal function parameters in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major requires lifelong blood transfusions, resulting in iron overload and hepatic and renal complications. Serum ferritin is widely used as a surrogate marker of body iron stores. This study evaluated serum ferritin levels and their association with hepatic and renal function parameters in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major.

Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 100 patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major. Demographic data were recorded, and serum ferritin, liver function tests, and renal function parameters were analyzed using laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Results The mean serum ferritin level was 2701.48±1393.83 ng/ml, with 46% of patients exhibiting ferritin concentrations >2500 ng/ml. Hepatic abnormalities included elevated AST (72%), ALT (60%), bilirubin (55%), and ALP (33%). Renal assessment revealed reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 35% of patients, while elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were observed in 17% and 13%, respectively. Serum ferritin showed weak but statistically significant negative correlations with ALT (r=−0.227, p=0.023) and total bilirubin (r=−0.273, p=0.006), whereas no significant correlation was found with serum creatinine.

Conclusions Patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major demonstrated substantial iron overload with frequent hepatic and renal biochemical abnormalities. Regular monitoring of serum ferritin together with liver and renal function tests may facilitate early detection of organ involvement and optimization of iron-chelation therapy.