Kidney function tests in children with beta-thalassemia minor in Zahedan, Southeast of Iran

There is little information regarding kidney function in patients with beta-thalassemia minor. In this study we investigated kidney function tests in 50 children with beta-thalassemia minor [22 boys and 28 girls]. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected and analyzed for sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, creatinine, phosphate, uric acid, protein, and beta 2-microglobulin. Blood samples were obtained for hematologic and biochemical analyses including complete blood count, serum ferritin, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, creatinine, and uric acid. This group of children with beta-thalassemia showed some evidence of tubulopathy such as proteinuria [32%], beta 2-microglobulin excretion [36%], calciuria [4%], phosphaturia [4%], and uricosuria [20%]. Our findings support the existence of renal tubular dysfunction in beta-thalassemia minor. However, further studies in large series are needed to shed light on the possible relation of these two distinct diseases

Renal tubular and glomerular function in children with iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia [IDA] resulting from lack of sufficient iron for synthesis of hemoglobin is most common hematologic disease of infancy and childhood. There is little information about the renal function in iron deficiency anemia. The aim of the present study was to examine the renal function in children with iron deficiency anemia. This case-control study was performed in children with iron deficiency anemia [n=20] and healthy age matched subjects [n=20]. Blood and urine samples were obtained for hematological and biochemical investigation. Statistical analysis was performed by unpaired sample t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Fractional excretion of sodium [FENa+] was significantly higher in children with iron deficiency anemia than control subjects [P=0.006]. There was no significant difference in the level of urine specific gravity, calcium/creatinine ratio, beta 2-microglobulin and creatinine clearance between case and control groups [P>0.05]. There was no correlation between FENa and Hb [r=0.13, P=0.57], FENa+ and Fe+2 [r=0.079, P=0.72], FENa+ and TIBC [r=-0.083, P=0.71], FENa+ and ferritin [r=0.039, P=0.86] as well as Hb and beta 2-microglobulin [r=0.02, P=0.37] in IDA patients. The results showed that FENa+ was higher in children with iron deficiency anemia than in normal subjects. The findings revealed evidence of tubular damage in IDA; this needs confirmation by more investigation