RESUMO
Background: hypothyroidism is one of the common complications among beta thalasemia
Objective: to determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in patients of beta thalassemia major in Thalassemia center, Rahim Yar Khan
Methodology: study design: Single center cross-sectional study. Place and duration of study: This study was carried out in "Thalassemia Center", Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan over a period of one year from 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2015. This study was carried out on 144 patients of thalassemia major aged 5-16 years. The data was collected regarding demographic variables, serum ferritin, T4 and TSH and duration of transfusion. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 19
Results: hypothyroidism was found in 45 [31.2%] patients. Of these, 42 [93.3%] had sub clinical hypothyroidism [normal T4 level with elevated TSH] whereas only 3 [6.7%] patients has overt hypothyroidism [decreased T4 level with elevated TSH]. Frequency of hypothyroidism has significant association with patient's age and duration of transfusion
Conclusion: sub clinical hypothyroidism occurs in a significant proportion of thalassemia major patients. Frequency of hypothyroidism has significant association with age and duration of transfusion. Regular follow-up of thalassemic patients to detect and timely treat such complication could improve the quality of life of these patients