Study of Significance of Echocardiography in Patients of Thalassemia Major

Introduction:The necessity of regular blood transfusions for patients with beta-thalassemia major (TM) results in excessive iron accumulation in the body.This excess iron is deposited in various vital organs, including the heart, liver, and endocrine glands, posing significant health risks.Despite these treatments, cardiac disease remains the leading cause of mortality among thalassemia patients.Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the significance of echocardiography findings in TM patients.Methods: The current study was an observational study in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan.All TM patients aged 2-16 years registered with the thalassemia ward in Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur, with normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and no clinical features of heart failure were included in this observational study.Their medical records were analyzed in terms of age, gender, average hemoglobin levels, serum ferritin levels, and echocardiographic (ECHO) findings.All TM patients aged 2-16 years were subjected to echocardiography every year on a routine basis.Their clinical data and ECHO findings (both M-mode and Doppler indices) were analyzed.Results: This study included 50 patients with beta-thalassemia who were transfusion dependent, to study the significance of echocardiography in them.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of echocardiography in thalassemia patients in our study, when compared to ECG, were found to be 77.8,48.3, 53.1, and 81%, respectively.Conclusion: Echocardiography combined with ECG can be used for regular periodic follow-up.Complications can be prevented early in asymptomatic children.Clinical significance: The findings highlight the need for improved management strategies to address iron overload and cardiac complications.Regular monitoring of serum ferritin levels and cardiac function is crucial for mitigating long-term complications.