HEPATORENAL FUNCTION AND GLUCOSE BALANCE AMONG BETA-THALASSEMIA PATIENTS IN MUKALLA CITY, YEMEN

Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder arising from defective synthesis of globin chains, leading to varying degrees of hemolytic anemia. This study aimed to assessing the certain alterations in kidney and liver functions, as well as glucose balance in beta- thalassemia patients. A cross-sectional study at the Sadan Foundation in Mukalla city, Hadhramout Governorate, during the period from December 2021 to March 2022. The study involving 55 participants (35 with beta-thalassemia patients and 20 healthy controls), aged 6 months to 23 years. Blood samples (5 ml) were drawn from volunteers, to measure liver and kidney functions as well as glucose level using the Cobas Integra 400 Plus analyzer, following the diagnostic kits and protocols provided by Roche. The obtained data were analyzed by the statistical program SPSS v24.0. The results indicated significant renal dysfunction, characterized by a significant increase in serum creatinine and uric acid levels, alongside a significant decrease in urea levels (P < 0.05). Regarding liver function, a significant elevation in liver enzymes [Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)] was observed. Furthermore, there was a non-significant increase in albumin levels and a non-significant decrease in total protein levels in patients compared to the control group. As well as, blood glucose level was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients group. Beta-thalassemia significantly impacts kidney and liver function, necessitating regular monitoring of these functions in patients.