Abstract

EVALUATION OF HEPATIC AND RENAL FUNCTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH THALASSEMIA

*Elaf Shaaban Ibrahim, Lelas Farhan Bdaiwi

ABSTRACT

Background: Thalassemia comprises a group of hereditary hematological disorders characterized by reduced or absent synthesis of one or more globin chains, leading to chronic hemolytic anemia. This condition necessitates regular blood transfusions, which can result in iron overload and subsequent organ damage, particularly to the liver and kidneys. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate key biochemical markers of hepatic and renal function in patients with thalassemia and compare them with a healthy control group to assess the impact of the disease and its management on these organs. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025. A total of 98 subjects were included, comprising 65 patients with thalassemia and 33 healthy individuals as a control group. All participants provided informed consent. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total serum bilirubin (TSB), urea, and creatinine were measured using standardized laboratory methods. Results: Patients with thalassemia exhibited significantly higher mean levels of AST (48.00 ± 5.77 U/L), ALT (40.60 ± 8.45 U/L), and TSB (2.39 ± 0.54 mg/dL) compared to the control group (26.60 ± 0.65 U/L, 28.20 ± 1.67 U/L, and 0.66 ± 0.05 mg/dL, respectively) (p ≤ 0.001). Conversely, serum creatinine was significantly lower in patients (36.33 ± 3.24 μmol/L) than in controls (84.10 ± 4.18 μmol/L) (p ≤ 0.001). Serum urea levels showed a non-significant decrease in the patient group. Conclusion: The findings indicate significant hepatic dysfunction in patients with thalassemia, likely attributable to chronic hemolysis and iron overload. Renal function markers showed a significant decrease in creatinine, primarily reflecting reduced muscle mass, although underlying renal stress cannot be excluded. These results underscoreWORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCESSJIF Impact Factor 8.025Volume 14, Issue 15, 698-708 Research Article ISSN 2278 – 4357Article Received on16 June 2025,Revised on 06 July 2025,Accepted on 26 July 2025,DOI: 10.20959/wjpps202515-30457*Corresponding AuthorElaf Shaaban IbrahimDepartment of Chemistry, Collage of Education for Women, University of Mosul, Iraq. 

Keywords: the importance of routine monitoring of liver and kidney function in the comprehensive management of thalassemia.