THE PREVALENCE OF PREMATURE ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN CHILDREN WITH BETA-THALASSEMIA MAJOR USING CAROTID DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY-A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: For many years, the recommended course of treatment for Beta Thalassemia major included regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Most of these individuals' problems have been caused by iron excess. According to the "Iron Hypothesis," iron is thought to be harmful to the cardiovascular system, hence encouraging onset and progression of atherosclerosis and placing these individuals at higher risk of experiencing clinical and/or subclinical thrombotic events. Objectives: To ascertain prevalence of early atherosclerotic alterations and the contributing variables.