Abstract
Objective
To analyze the risk of premature atherosclerosis in children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) compared to controls by measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and correlating it with clinical and biochemical parameters.
Methods
Case-control study among children aged 2 to 15 years.
Results
Significantly higher CIMT values were observed across all age groups. Mean (SD) CIMT in controls were 0.27(0.07) mm, 0.39 (0.03) mm, and 0.46 (0.05) mm in 2 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, and 11 to 15 years age groups respectively, as against 0.43 (0.08) mm, 0.55 (0.07) mm and 0.63 (0.08) mm in cases in similar age groups (P<0.001). Mean triglycerides and liver enzymes were significantly elevated in cases. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that older age group and higher serum ferritin levels, but not dyslipidemia, were significantly associated with high CIMT.
Conclusion
Children with TDT are at increased risk for premature atherosclerosis.
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VA, MH: involved in collection and interpretation of data; KSK: drafted and critically reviewed the manuscript; PP, BR, DS: designed the study and approved the final version; KSK: guarantor of the study and is in agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Institutional Human Ethics Committee clearance was obtained from both the centers (Center 1: GMKMC&H/4341/IEC/2019-561 dated December 29, 2021; and Center 2: EC No: 5/II/2021 dated November 05, 2021).
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Kumaravel, K.S., Sampathkumar, D., Punitha, P. et al. Premature Atherosclerosis in Children With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: A Twin-Center Cross-Sectional Study. Indian Pediatr 59, 925–928 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-022-2664-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-022-2664-5