Thrombophilia In Beta Thalassemia

Thrombophilia Versus Platelet Dysfunction In Beta Thalassemia

β-thalassemia disease is one of the most common congenital hemolytic anemia commonly found in the malarial belt areas including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asian countries, and China.

β-thalassemia represents a major public health problem in Egypt, it is estimated that there are 1000/1.5 million per year live births born with β-thalassemia. The average life expectancy of patients with β-thalassemia has improved over the last few years as compared to that of in the previous millennium. This has led to the discovery of new set of problems such as increased hypercoagulable state in β-thalassemia like micro infarcts in spleen and lung indicating an activated coagulation pathway. The, incidence of thromboembolism in patients with thalassemia disease is approximately 10 times higher than normal population, it accounts between 1.7 and 9.2%. On the other hand, a study conducted by Chaudhary and Ahmad, 2012 showed decreased aggregation in majority of β-thalassemia patients. Another study conducted by Ibrahim, 1999 had noticed few patients to have bleeding manifestations in the form of epistaxis. Mussumeci et al., 1987 noted that both thrombophilic and anti-thrombophilic proteins were reduced as a consequence of liver damage. The net clinical outcome depends on the fine balance between the prothrombotic and antithrombotic pathways.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All blood samples from thalassemia patients before blood transfusion.
2. In splenectomized patients taking Aspirin, the tests will be performed 7 days after discontinuation of the drug.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with other hemoglobinopathies other than beta-thalassemia.
2. Patients suffering from hepatic or cardiac dysfunctions of another aetiology.
3. Patients with history of familial thrombophilia or use of anticoagulant therapy.