Evaluation of serum 25-OH vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with beta thalassemia major in relation to clinical status

Aim Thalassemia is a severe hereditary condition characterized by anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, growth delay, jaundice, and skeletal changes, typically diagnosed within the first year of life due to mutations affecting beta-globin synthesis. Standard treatments include transfusion, chelation, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While advancements in these modalities have improved life expectancy, long-term management has increased complications, particularly affecting vitamin D metabolism secondary to iron deposition in the liver and skin. This study aims to evaluate transfusion and chelation characteristics in thalassemia patients and to compare body mass index (BMI), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, ferritin, albumin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-OH vitamin D levels between patients and controls. Methods Thirty-three patients with thalassemia major and 33 healthy controls were included. Age, sex, weight, height, BMI, transfusion frequency, chelation type and duration, and biochemical parameters were recorded. Serum 25-OH vitamin D and PTH levels were analyzed. Results Among patients, 69.7% were male, with a mean age of 23.02 ± 8.18 years. Vitamin D insufficiency was identified in 33.3% of the patients, and vitamin D deficiency in 30.3% of the patients. Mean 25-OH vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the patient group than the control group (<em>P</em> < .05), while PTH levels were significantly lower in the patient group (<em>P</em> < .001). Conclusion Thalassemia patients exhibit altered vitamin D and PTH regulation, highlighting the need for routine monitoring. Larger studies are required to better understand the underlying mechanisms and additional contributing factors.