Effect of Spirulina on Liver Iron Concentration in Beta Thalassemic Children With Hepatitis C

Effect of Spirulina on Liver Iron Concentration in Beta Thalassemic Children With Hepatitis C

Thalassemics can develop liver fibrosis because of iron overload and hepatitis C infection. The latter is the main risk factor for liver fibrosis in transfusion dependent thalassemics. Excess liver iron is clearly recognized as a co factor for the development of advanced fibrosis in patients with hepatitis virus C infection. Magnetic resonance imaging represents the most available noninvasive technique to assess the level of iron in the liver.there is evidence that suggests Spirulina may help to protect against liver damage, cirrhosis and liver failure in those with chronic liver disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• multitransfused beta thalassemic children with super added hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection diagnosed by serological detection of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction.

Exclusion Criteria:

• liver decompensation child younger than 3 years patients with hepatitis B infection contraindications to perform MRI (intraocular metallic foreign body, cardiac pacemaker, intracranial clips of arterial brain aneurysms) refusal to participate in the study