Factors affecting ferritin level control in thalassemia patients

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is a genetic disease caused by abnormal of globin protein chains, which is a component of red blood cells, so the pathology of this disease results from anemia. In Thailand has high prevalence of this disease. The current main treatments are blood transfusion and iron chelation. Iron overload is a major complication of thalassemia, resulting in abnormal functioning of various organs.

Objective: The purpose was to study the factors having effects on the control of ferritin levels in thalassemia patients at Hua Hin Hospital, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

Method: This is a retrospective analytical study. Data were collected from medical records of outpatients diagnosed with thalassemia at the outpatient department Hua Hin Hospital, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province that were recorded in the medical 2020 during January 1, 2017 to May 31, 2022 for a period of 5 years and 5 months. The research instrument was a record of factors affecting ferritin control in thalassemia patients. The data were presented in percentage, average and standard deviation; t-test independent and chi-square test were implemented for the analysis of the factors relating on the control of ferritin levels. 

Result: Of the total 222 eligible patients, the mean hemoglobin in 1 year, the number of blood transfusions in 1 year, the type of thalassemia, and iron chelation therapy had a statistically significant effect on the control of ferritin levels (p<0.001). Sex and splenectomy had a statistically significant effect on ferritin control (p<0.05), whereas age had no effect on ferritin control.

Conclusion: Factors affecting the control of ferritin levels in thalassemia patients, some factors may be factors that cannot be changed. However, it is the role of the healthcare professionals who care for these patients to be more closely monitored for ferritin levels in patients with these risk factors.