Diagnostic and predictive significance of immunological disorders in β-Thalassemia

Abstract

Susceptibility to infections made it necessary to study the immune status of patients with β-thalassemia. This study examined the role of iron overload syndrome (hemosiderosis) and the interaction of pathophysiological determinants of thalassemia and components of the immune system. Chronic antigenic stimulation and oxidative stress from iron overload are two major pathophysiological factors in thalassemia that affect the immune system. Life-long blood transfusion therapy for thalassemia with its uncontrolled negative effect on the immune and coagulation systems of the blood leads to the accumulation of iron in the tissues and immunosuppression and, as a consequence, to the addition of intercurrent infection and immunization. The role of immunological interactions in the pathogenesis of β-thalassemia needs further investigation in future studies