Thyroid Dysfunction in Beta-Thalassemia Major: Is It Related to Autoimmunity or Iron Overload?

Authors : Burcu AKINCI, Fatma DEMİR YENİGURBUZ, Ala ÜSTYOL, Deniz ÖKDEMİR

Pages : 377-382

Doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1097646

View : 43 | Download : 64

Publication Date : 2023-07-10

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: Thyroid dysfunction is an important complication of Beta-Thalassemia major insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(β-TM);. The reason may be iron overload or autoimmunity. Methods: In this study, 129 patients with β-TM were included. Free thyroxine insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(fT4);, thyroid-stimulating hormone insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(TSH);, anti-thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin, and ferritin levels were measured. As the control group, 49 patients who applied to the hospital and requested TSH and fT4 were randomly selected. Both groups were compared in terms of thyroid dysfunction. Also, patients with thyroid dysfunction in the β-TM group were investigated in terms of underlying hyperferritinemia and autoimmune susceptibility. Results: In the β-TM group, overt and subclinical hypothyroidism were detected in 11 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(8.5%); and three patients insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2.4%);, respectively. Ferritin levels of those with hypothyroidism were higher than the patients with normal thyroid dysfunction insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.006, z=-2.734);. Anti-thyroid antibodies were not elevated in any of the patients with thyroid dysfunction. One insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2%); patient had central hypothyroidism in the control group, and six insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(12.2%); patients had subclinical hypothyroidism. The number of overt hypothyroidism in thalassemia cases was statistically higher than in the control group insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.002);. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that autoimmunity may not pose a risk factor for the development of hypothyroidism in β-TM patients, rather high ferritin levels may be a reason.
Keywords : Beta thalassemia major, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmunity, iron overload