Frequency of Endocrinological Complications in Children with Thalassemia Major and Their Relationship with Ferritin Levels

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the frequency of endocrine complications and ferritin in children with thalassemia major (TM) who receive regular blood transfusions. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 children aged 9-18 years receiving regular blood transfusions due to TM were evaluated for possible endocrinological complications. Ages, anthropometric data, target height (TH), TH-standard deviation score (SDS), and pubertal stages of the cases were evaluated. Ferritin, insulin-like growth factor 1, gonadotropins, thyroid function tests, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, bone age, and bone mineral density were evaluated. The correlation between ferritin and these parameters were evaluated.