Impact of vitamin D3 on hematological and biochemical markers in Beta thalassemia major patients in Basrah

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D3 is essential for pediatric development and normal growth. Aim: This study aims to analyze the hematological characteristics of both β-thalassemia patients and controls; their liver and renal functions; and calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone levels and their correlation with vitamin D3. Methods: Ninety teenage subjects, comprising 45 patients with β-thalassemia major (selected from the Hereditary Blood Diseases Center in Basrah during their regular checkups) and 45 apparently healthy individuals selected from relatives and friends, aged between 12 to 15 years (42.2% males and 57.8% females) were included in a 2023 case-control study at the Hereditary Blood Diseases Center. A gel tube with approximately 5 mL of blood was utilized for biochemical analyses, and a portion of the sample was transferred into a test tube for complete blood count testing. Liver and renal functions were evaluated by measuring the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), blood urea, and serum creatinine. Serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D3, calcium, and phosphorus were also estimated. Serum ferritin and complete blood count were performed as well. The Statistical Package for the Special Science version 29 was utilized, employing several methods to assess the connection between the variables, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-Square, Pearson correlation, and linear regression (to assess the correlation between the variables). A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Regarding demographics, the only significant difference was in BMI (p = 0.0001). ALT, AST, and ALP levels were significantly higher in β-thalassemia patients compared to healthy individuals, with significant differences (p = 0.0001 for all). Blood urea and serum creatinine levels were statistically significant (p = 0.0001). A highly significant difference was found in serum levels of vitamin D3 (p = 0.0001), with PTH significantly higher in patients (p = 0.0001). Calcium levels were also significantly different (p = 0.0001), but no significant difference was found in phosphorus levels (p > 0.05). Regarding hematological indices, a highly significant association was found in Hb, RBC, HCT (p = 0.0001), and MCV (p = 0.025) levels, while MCH, MCHC, WBCs, and platelets did not have significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusion: β-Thalassemia significantly affects hematological and biochemical markers in all patients. Vitamin D3 levels are negatively correlated with ALT, AST, serum ferritin, PTH, and calcium levels in patients.