Evaluation of Thyroid Function in Beta-thalassemia Major Patients Treated with Deferiprone at Ulin Banjarmasin General Hospital

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to analyze thyroid function in beta-thalassemia major patients receiving transfusions at Ulin Regional General Hospital, Banjarmasin, based on the duration of deferiprone therapy and the patients' age. Study Design:  This is analytical observational research with a cross-sectional design. Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric patients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major who received oral deferiprone iron chelation for at least one year at the Department of Child Health, Ulin Banjarmasin General Hospital, during the period from January 2022 to July 2024. Methodology: The study samples were collected using total population sampling, with a total of 37 participants. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Fisher's Exact test with a 95% confidence level. Results: The mean age of the total 37 samples was 11.12 ± 4.61 years, with a predominance of male patients at 64%. The average levels of ferritin and hemoglobin were 4990.07 ± 2856.37 ng/mL and 8.42 ± 1.35 g/dL, respectively. A total of 36 samples were in a euthyroid state and 1 sample was in a hypothyroid state. Bivariate analysis using Fisher's Exact test showed no significant association between age, the duration of deferiprone therapy, and thyroid function in beta-thalassemia major patients at Ulin Regional General Hospital, with p-values of 1.00 and 0.378, respectively. Conclusion: Most beta-thalassemia major patients at Ulin Regional General Hospital receiving deferiprone iron chelation therapy exhibited normal thyroid function, with only 1 patient found to be hypothyroid. There is no significant relationship between age or the duration of deferiprone therapy and thyroid function in beta-thalassemia major patients at Ulin Regional General Hospital.