FREQUENCY OF COMPLICATIONS IN BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR IN D. I.KHAN

This is a retrospective study performed to see the frequency and extent of complications in beta thalassaemia major patients in the region of D I Khan. It was carried out at the Department of Paediatrics, District Headquarter Teaching Hospital, Gomal Medical Collage (GMC), Dera Ismail Khan from, 1st January 2005 to 31st December 2005. The files of all the beta thalassaemia major patients admitted during the year 2005 were scrutinised for complications. All the patients had been investigated for the diagnosis and complications. Demographic and clinical data included age, sex, weight, geographical location, complications and splenectomy; and was gathered on a compilation sheet. Results were analysed by descriptive statistical methods. Beta thalassaemia minor and intermediate cases were excluded. A total of 123 patients with beta thalassaemia major were admitted for 295 times during the study period. Majority of the patients (95.9%) were from D. I. Khan. Majority were males (71.5%). Commonest complication observed was growth failure (52.8%). Next common was involvement of liver (21.1%). Other complications included heart disease (13.8%) and endocrinopathies (4.2%). It was concluded that the commonest complication of beta thalassaemia major in D I Khan was growth failure. Other complications were also not uncommon and involved liver, heart and endocrine glands