Study of hemoglobin and hematocrit Level in thalassemia major patients before and after transfusion
چکیده
Objective: In major ?-thalassemia patients, on blood transfusion regimen, the hemoglobin and hematocrit level is a significant factor on determination of prognosis. This study was done to evaluate pre and post transfusion hemoglobins in relation to intervals of transfusion in a thalassemia center in tertiary referral pediatric hospital, observe their impact on quality of life, growth and development of these children. Subject and Method: In a cross sectional study during 9 months from April to December 2005, in pediatric hospital of Tabriz medical sciences university, 200 blood samples from 95 thalassemic patients referring to the thalassemia center pre and post transfusion blood were taken to perform lab studies (especially hemoglobin and hematocrit). Patients were examined and relevant information were obtaind from their charts or questionaries. Results: The mean pre transfusion hemoglobin was 9.03 g/dl± 1.29, range of minimum 4.1 and maximum 11.4 g/dl. The mean post transfusion hemoglobin was 12.84±1.81, range of minimum 6.8 and maximum 17.7 g/dl. 62% of patients were transfused in 3-5 week intervals. Failure to thrive (F.T.T) was present in 59%, Short stature 46%, talassemic facies 26% and huge splenomegaly in 14% of cases. Conclusion: The intervals of transfusion have significant effect on pre transfusion hemoglobin level. In our center due to low Hb and Hct levels, the patients have more growth retardation, facial changes and spelnomegaly.