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Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of endocrine complications in beta thalassaemia major patients in one of thalassaemia treatment units in Sri Lanka. Methods: The patients (n = 40) aged >2 years admitted to the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya during the period of December 2013 to December 2014, under the treatment of iron chelation drugs were recruited for the study. The patients were interviewed for the sociodemographic variables and the data regarding endocrine complications were gathered from medical records. Anthropometric (height and weight) measurers and pubertal status were assessed by a qualified medical officer. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of the patients was 10.97±5.9 years (range 2–20). The most common endocrine complication was a pubertal delay (53%). The prevalence of short stature, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and hypoparathyroidism were 50%, 10%, 5%, and 2.5%, respectively. All the patients with endocrine complications were older children (>10-year-olds). Conclusion: Endocrine complications were common among the studied group of betathalassaemia major patients and it is related to progression of age. Regular assessment of endocrine function is imperative in the proper management of beta-thalassemia major patients. |
