Evaluation of Serum Antioxidants and Immune Status in Children with β- Thalassemia Major Before and After Splenectomy

Abstract

Background: β- thalassemias are a group of inherited autosomal recessive hematological disorders due to defects in synthesis of β chains of hemoglobin; it results in red blood cell destruction with symptoms of anemia. Red blood cell destruction, repeated blood transfusion and bad compliance to routine use of iron chelator lead to iron accumulation in the heart, liver and endocrine organs. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of splenectomy on immunologic and antioxidant state by measuring the change in level of interleukin 6 and some antioxidant agents before and after splenectomy in thalassaemic patients.