The effect of N-acetylcysteine as antioxidant and its effect on pretransfusion hemoglobin and iron overload in patients with thalassemia were compared to patients who didn't receive n-acetylcysteine after 3 months of study duration

N-acetylcysteine( NAC) is a widely used mucolytic drug and several studies had reported its efficacy as anti oxidant. Patients with thalassemia major are at great risk for oxidative stress due to excess of b-globin chains and iron overload. In this study the investigators compared the effect of NAC on oxidative status , pretransfusion hemoglobin levels and iron overload in thalassemia patients before and after treatment with NAC for 3 months and with that of patients who served as controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Thalassemia major children on regular blood transfusion and iron chelation therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Renal or hepatic impairments
• Complicated thalassemia major
• Non adherence to therapy or follow up visits
• Change in the iron chelation dose within 3 months before enrollment or during study period