Volume : VI, Issue : V, May - 2016

Evaluation of cardiac status in thalassemic children

Dr Amitha Rao Aroor, Dr U. V. Shenoy

Abstract :

 Background: Cardiac disease caused by anemia and transfusional iron overload remains the principal cause of death in patients with β–thalassemia major. Regular evaluation of cardiac function is recommended for all patients with thalassemia major and is now an integral part of their management Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate cardiac status in thalassemic children by stress test and echocardiography Methods: This is a prospective study including 20 patients with thalassemia major receiving regular blood transfusion and 20 age matched healthy children taken as controls. Baseline heart rate, blood pressures were taken and double product was calculated. Echocardiographic parameters at rest were measured. Study group was then subjected to exercise by Masters two step test. Post exercise heart rate and BP were taken and the changes in echocardiographic parameters were measured. Results: Heart rate and systolic blood pressure response to exercise were significantly lower in cases compared to controls. Left ventricular end–diastolic and systolic dimensions and volumes as well as stroke volume at rest were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. After exercise, there was significant decrease in end diastolic volume in thalassemics indicating early diastolic dysfunction. However, there was no significant difference in stroke volume indicating that there was no significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Conclusion: Left ventricular dysfunction in thalassemic patients may be due to chronic anaemia and iron overload. Regular assessment of cardiac function may help to improve the quality of life of these patients and may reduce the morbidity and mortality.a

Keywords :

Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Dr Amitha Rao Aroor, Dr U.V. Shenoy Evaluation of cardiac status in thalassemic children Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.6, Issue : 5 MAY 2016

Number of Downloads : 527

References :

<p><p><pre></pre></p></p>