Evaluation of Pulmonary Dysfunctions in Iron Overloaded Beta Thalassaemia Children: A Study at Teaching Hospital of Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the pattern of pulmonary dysfunction in iron overloaded beta thalassaemia children and its correlation with serum ferritin.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to September 2024 in the Department of Pathology and Department of Pulmonology, Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Transfusion dependent thalassaemia children bearing more than 10 years of age, ferritin levels greater than 1,000 ng/mL and bearing record of more than 20 transfusions were included in the study. Standardized pulmonary function test was conducted with spirometry. Serum ferritin levels were used to measure iron overload.

Results: A total of 115 individuals were examined; 47 percent were female, and 53 percent were male. Spirometry revealed respiratory impairment in 10.43% of patients with obstructive patterns and 31.30% with restrictive patterns. The average ferritin level observed was 3167.5 ng/ml. Of these, 2.6% were highly obstructive, 4.3% moderately restricted, 5.7% mildly restrictive, and 11.3% were very restrictive. 58.3% of the total had normal values. The degree of pulmonary impairment and ferritin levels did not appear to be related.

Conclusion: In children with iron over loaded transfusion dependent on thalassaemia disease, restrictive pattern is the most common pulmonary dysfunction. Patients with abnormal PFTs ought to have their compliance with the transfusion programme and re-evaluation of chelation therapy. It is necessary to use spirometry to screen all children for thalassaemia for early diagnosis of respiratory impairment.