Evaluation of Vitamin D level in thalassemia patients: The experience of a single center

BACKGROUND: Beta-thalassemia, a hereditary blood disease transmitted through families, has become increasingly relevant with rising life expectancies, leading to bone disease being a significant cause of morbidity. Among the symptoms observed in these patients, bone pain and back pain are frequently reported. Vitamin D is believed to play a crucial role in reducing these symptoms. AIM: The objective of this study was to assess the Vitamin D levels in thalassemic patients and investigate potential correlations with other factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a random selection of 48 patients with beta-thalassemia (major and intermediate types) aged 7 years and above. The patients were registered at the Hereditary Blood Disease Center in Wasit province, located in the South of Iraq, during the period from January to May 2022. Demographic data, including age, sex, address, diagnosis, type of chelation therapy, and frequency of blood transfusions, were collected from patients' files. Biochemical data, such as mean hemoglobin, mean serum ferritin, mean serum calcium, and Vitamin D levels at the time of the study, were also recorded. Vitamin D levels below 30 ng/ml were considered low level or deficiency, whereas 30 ng/ml and above were considered normal, as indicated by the kit manufacturer. Furthermore, the height, weight, and body mass index were evaluated in the studied patients with their written consent. SPSS version (23) was employed for data management and statistical analysis, utilizing a significant P = 0.05 and the Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The study revealed that 42 patients (87.5%) had low Vitamin D levels (below 30 ng/ml). The mean Vitamin D level was 18.23 ng/ml, with a maximum reading of 45 ng/ml. It was observed that Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in younger patients and those with higher ferritin levels, although the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with B-thalassemia, as indicated by this study.