Demographic, Hematological, and Biochemical Profiling of Beta-Thalassemia Patients in Shaheed Benazirabad District, Sindh, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1057Keywords:
Beta-Thalassemia, Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, Iron Chelation, Ferritin, Pakistan, Demographic Differences.Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the spectrum of beta globin gene mutations and their associated clinical correlates in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients from Shaheed Benazirabad district.
METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken at Thalassemia Welfare Society Nawabshah Centre. A consecutive nonprobability random sampling used to select 205 known beta-thalassemia patients. Demographic and clinical history obtained through interviews and case records following thalassemia patient consent. Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, and serum ferritin, bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), and Alanine Aminotransferase (SGPT/ALT) were measurements. SPSS and GraphPad Prism used for data analysis.
RESULTS: Demographic analysis showed an overwhelming majority of rural beta-thalassemia patients (81.8%) over urban populations (18.2%), with a male majority (60.1%). Hemoglobin significantly elevated fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels in rural patients (41 g/dL) than urban patients (40 g/dL). Iron chelation treatment analysis showed that hemoglobin A (HbA) and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels were unchanged in all treatment groups. Female patients observed with increased Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP: 172 IU/L) and Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT: 53.07 U/L) compared to men. The rural patients had significantly higher ALP (176.42 IU/L) and SGPT (55.58 U/L) than their urban counterparts. Ferritin measurement showed severe hyperferritinemia in all subgroups, the highest being in rural patients (3479.37 ng/mL) and male patients (3416 ng/mL),
CONCLUSION: This study reveals significant demographic variations in the clinical manifestation of beta-thalassemia. The results highlight the need of tailored treatment and public health programs in increasing access to regular chelation therapy and diagnostic services, particularly in remote areas with low incomes.
