Serum 125 dihydroxy vitamin D, in thalassemia major

ABSTRACT

In patients with homozygous B-thalassemia, bone changes are considered one of the characteristic features of the disease. Serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and 1.25[OH]2D levels were estimated in 26 patients with homozygous-thalassemia compared to healthy controls. Also, plain X-ray of both h and s were done to all thalassemic patients. The mean serum calcium and phosphate levels as well as 1.25[OH]2D were diminished in thalassemic patients compared to normal controls. A study of the h and s showed thin metacarpal cortices related to increased resorption, but there were no radiological finding of rickets in thalassemic patients. It can be concluded that the osseous abnormalities of thalassemia were probably due to other mechanisms, mainly anemia, and vitamin D supplementation is not likely to cause their resolution