Effects of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on myocardial and hepatic iron status and function in children with beta-thalassemia
摘要
This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on myocardial and hepatic iron burden and organ function in children with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT).
MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the pediatric hematology department of our institution. Patients aged three years and older with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia were included. Baseline and post-treatment laboratory assessments included serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. All patients received vitamin D supplementation according to their deficiency status. Cardiac and hepatic iron deposition were evaluated using T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed by echocardiography.
ResultsA total of 88 pediatric patients were enrolled. The largest proportion of patients was aged 4–9 years (n = 53), followed by those aged 10–14 years (n = 22) and 15–19 years (n = 13). The cohort consisted of 54.5% males (n = 48) and 45.5% females (n = 40). Patients were categorized into three groups based on serum 25(OH)D levels: severe deficiency (< 10 ng/mL), mild deficiency (10–20 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥ 20 ng/mL). Three months after vitamin D supplementation, statistically significant improvements were observed in both cardiac and hepatic MRI T2* values (p < 0.05).
ConclusionVitamin D supplementation was associated with significant improvement in myocardial and hepatic iron parameters, suggesting a potential beneficial role in reducing iron-induced organ dysfunction. These findings highlight the importance of routine vitamin D monitoring and management in children with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.