The Association between Pre-Transfusion Hemoglobin Levels and Thalassemia Complications at Taif City

Introduction: Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder classified as one of the major hemoglobinopathies. Studying the correlation between pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels and the severity of thalassemia is important for several reasons: preventing complications, optimizing treatment strategies and improving quality of life. This study aimed to assess the correlation between pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels and thalassemia-related complications on health outcomes of transfusion-dependent (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent (NTDT) thalassemia patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two hospitals in Taif, Western region of Saudi Arabia, from February to November 2024. Demographic and clinical data were collected from 16 patients with major or intermediate forms of thalassemia. Pre-transfusion Hb levels were measured at five consecutive visits, and thalassemia complications, such as iron overload and organ dysfunction, were documented. Results: The mean pre-transfusion Hb level across TDT and NTDT patients were 8.4 g/dL and 8.9 g/dL respectively, indicating that the difference in mean hemoglobin levels between the two groups was not statistically significant. General anemia’s symptoms were reported at enrolment time among all patients in this study, including pallor, fatigue and weakness. However, iron overload and other severe complications, including hypothyroidism and leg ulcers, were not prevalent at the time of enrollment. Conclusion: This study found that maintaining pre-transfusion Hb levels around 8.4 g/dL did not result in severe complications for most patients, suggesting that lower Hb levels may not necessarily lead to immediate severe health issues. These findings could help optimize transfusion practices, reduce healthcare costs, and minimize iron overload risks, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, continuous monitoring is necessary, as complications can emerge over time.