Background: Beta thalassemia is the most prevalent chronic hemolytic anemia with multiple recognized complications. Neuropathic changes have been recorded more frequently these days due to longer life expectancies. We conducted this work to evaluate the neurophysiological status of transfusion-dependent thalassemic children and to investigate the impact of different clinical factors and iron overload status on the findings.
Methods: We conducted a non-randomized convenient study including 50 beta thalassemic children on regular blood transfusion, in addition to iron chelation therapy. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and neurophysiological studies; nerve conduction and electromyography studies. Data were collected, including the most recent cardiac and hepatic MRI findings.
Results: Out of the 50 children included, 12 patients (24%) had abnormal sensory nerve conduction (peripheral neuropathy), and all children had normal motor nerve conduction. Only four patients (8%) showed myopathic changes by electromyography. These changes were strongly correlated with hepatic iron overload.
Conclusions: Children with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia on regular iron chelation therapy are at risk of neurological changes, as peripheral neuropathy and myopathy, necessitating regular follow-up of these patients.