Intercellular Adhesion molecule sicAm-1 in Children with B -thalasselnia major

Abstract

Beta thalassemia is a hereditary anaemia curable by bone marrow . transplantation, yet transfusion programmes and chelation are the most widely used. Long-term blood transfusion constitutes a major problem not only in the risk of acquiring infections, but also In Its long term effects on the immune system.

The immune system of thalassemic patients is challenged by several factors e.g. Iron overload which stuffs the reticuloendothelial system thus blocking its action and splenectomy which results in definite immunomodulation.

Estimation of siCAM-1 proves to be a simple, easy and accurate indicator of the immune activation in polytransfused patients.

The aim of the present work was to study the level of siCAM-1 in the serum of children with 13-thalassemia major, and to determine the possible role of multiple blood transfusions on its level.

This study included 30 children having 13-thalassemia major who were divided into two groups. Group Iincluded 15 children who received less than 100 times blood transfusion and group II included 15 children who received more than 100 times blood