Thyroid dysfunction in chronically transfused adults with β-thalassemia major

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of thyroid dysfunction in adult β-thalassemia major (BTM) patients and to investigate its relationship with the frequency of transfusions, serum ferritin levels, and adequacy of oral chelation therapy.Material and Methods: This study included 62 adult patients diagnosed BTM and had been receiving regular blood transfusions for at least 1 year. Iron load was defined as the serum ferritin level. Thyroid dysfunction was categorized as primary hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)>5.6 mU/L and serum-free thyroxine (FT4)5.6 mU/L) or secondary hypothyroidism (FT4