To Study on Correlation of Serum Ferritin and Hepcidin Levels with Transfusion Burden in Children with Beta-Thalassaemia Major at a Tertiary Care Centre of Rajasthan: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Abstract

Background: Beta-thalassaemia major (BTM) is amongst the most prevalent inherited haemoglobinopathies in India. Repeated blood transfusions, though life-saving, lead to progressive iron overload, and biomarkers such as serum ferritin and hepcidin are critical in monitoring this burden. The present study aimed to assess the correlation of serum ferritin and hepcidin levels with the transfusion burden in children diagnosed with BTM.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Paediatrics Department of a tertiary care centre in Rajasthan. A total of 32 children aged 1–18 years, diagnosed with BTM on regular transfusion therapy, were enrolled over a period of six months. Serum ferritin, serum hepcidin, liver function tests, and complete blood counts were measured. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected via structured proforma. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation, chi-square test, and logistic regression for odds ratio calculation.
Results: The mean serum ferritin was 3842.6 ± 1124.3 ng/mL and mean serum hepcidin was 14.2 ± 6.8 ng/mL. A significant positive correlation was found between serum ferritin and transfusion frequency (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Hepcidin levels showed an inverse relationship with transfusion burden. Children receiving >12 transfusions per year had significantly elevated ferritin levels compared to those receiving fewer transfusions (p = 0.002). Hepatosplenomegaly was observed in 68.75% of cases.
Conclusion: Serum ferritin positively correlates with transfusion burden whereas hepcidin shows an inverse association, suggesting its utility as a complementary biomarker for iron overload monitoring in BTM children. Regular monitoring and timely chelation therapy remain the cornerstones of clinical management.