Effect of treatment with hydroxyurea on calcium homeostasis in β-thalassemia-major patients

Abstract

Background and aim Thalassemia is a chronic illness that has a range of serious clinical and psychological effects, it does not only affect the physical functioning of patients but also their emotional and social functioning and school functionings, leading to impairment of health-related quality of life of the patients due to the effects of the disease and its treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of treatment with hydroxyurea on calcium homeostasis in β-thalassemia-major patients. Patients and methods This study is a prospective, case–control one, it was done on 50 patients with β-thalassemia major who received regular blood transfusion at Luxor International Hospital [25 patients received hydroxyurea (group II) and 25 patients did not receive hydroxyurea (group I)] and 25 apparently healthy children as controls. Results Group II (received hydroxyurea) had better results than group I (not received hydroxyurea) regarding the frequency of blood transfusion, manifestations of hypocalcemia (tetany, convulsions, and carpopedal spasm), and the occurrence of the boneache and bone fractures. Group II (received hydroxyurea) had better hemoglobin levels as well as other complete blood count parameters than group I (not received hydroxyurea). Group II (received hydroxyurea) had better results regarding serum-ionized calcium as well as serum ferritin, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum phosphorus levels than group I (not received hydroxyurea). Conclusion Disturbed calcium homeostasis is one of these iron-overload hazards; it has different clinical and laboratory manifestations that can be improved by using the hydroxyurea therapy in the management of β-thalassemia patients.