Clinico-Hematological Profile of Thalassemia Patients Receiving Regular Blood Transfusions and Chelation Therapy

Background: Thalassemia is one of the most common inherited hemoglobin disorders worldwide, characterized by defective globin chain synthesis leading to chronic hemolytic anemia. Regular blood transfusions remain the mainstay of therapy, yet they predispose patients to transfusional iron overload and its systemic complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinico-hematological profile and iron overload status of thalassemia patients on regular transfusion and chelation therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 20 diagnosed thalassemia patients receiving regular blood transfusions at a tertiary care center over a period of 18 months. Demographic data, clinical features, hematological parameters, peripheral smear findings, and serum ferritin levels were recorded. Iron chelation therapy details and compliance were documented. Results: The majority of patients (80.0%) had β-thalassemia major with a male predominance (60.0%). The mean hemoglobin at the time of presentation for transfusion was 7.1 ± 1.5 g/dL. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were observed in 70.0% and 55.0% of patients, respectively. The mean serum ferritin was 3180 ± 1920 ng/mL, with significantly higher levels in patients with longer transfusion duration (p=0.018) and irregular chelation compliance (p=0.024). Deferasirox was the most commonly used chelator (60.0%). Conclusion: Even in this small cohort, thalassemia patients on regular transfusion therapy exhibit significant iron overload despite chelation, particularly with poor compliance. Regular clinico-hematological assessment is essential for optimizing transfusion protocols and chelation regimens. Larger multicentric studies are warranted to validate these findings.