Skeletal Radiological Findings in Patients With Beta Thalassemia Major Visiting a Tertiary Care Facility

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of common skeletal radiological findings in patients with
Beta Thalassemia major visiting tertiary care facility, Hyderabad.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at paediatric ddepartment of Pediatrics, LUMHS/Jamshoro from August 15, 2022 to February 16, 2022. Children with beta thalassemia major aged 2-12 years of either gender presented with bone pain on physical activities were included. Radiological skeletal findings such as trabeculation, rib widening, and facial bone deformity were observed.
Results: Of 170 participants, facial bone deformity was observed in 52 (30.6%), trabeculation in 16 (9.4%), and ribs widening in 37 (21.8%) patients. A significant association of facial bone deformity was observed with gender (p=0.006), duration of disease (p=0.002), and serum vitamin D levels (p=0.001). While trabeculation was found significantly associated with serum vitamin d levels (p=0.001) only. Ribs widening was significantly associated with gender (p=0.038) and serum vitamin d levels (p<0.001).
Conclusion: This study revealed important insights into the skeletal radiological framework of patients with Beta Thalassemia major in terms of facial bone deformity, trabeculation, and ribs widening underscores the substantial burden of skeletal manifestations in this population.