Cutaneous manifestations in Egyptian children with beta-thalassemia major: Relationship with serum ferritin, thyroid profile, and treatment modalities.

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous manifestations can be found in many patients with hematologic disorders, including thalassemia.

METHODS

Patients with beta-thalassemia major attending the pediatric department of Fayoum University Hospital from April 2016 to October 2016 (n = 100) were compared with controls (n = 100). Both groups underwent detailed history evaluation, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations, including complete blood count, liver and kidney function, serum ferritin, and thyroid profile. A single dermatologist conducted a clinical dermatologic examination for all participants.

RESULTS

Children with thalassemia had a greater prevalence of xerosis (72%), pruritus (52%), idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (22%), urticaria (16%), ephelides (freckles; 13%), and scars (13%) than controls (P ≤ .001). We detected a significant relationship between serum ferritin and pruritus, xerosis, ephelides, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, urticaria, and age of patients with thalassemia (P < .05). Children without thyroid abnormalities were more likely to have xerosis, pruritus, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, urticaria, and ephelides (86%) than controls (P < .05). Although there was no significant difference in skin findings between patients who did and did not receive chelating agents (P > .05), a significant association was found between xerosis and the use of deferoxamine and deferiprone, whereas ephelides and urticaria were more common in patients receiving deferasirox.

CONCLUSION

Because cutaneous manifestations are common in Egyptian patients with beta thalassemia major, regular dermatologic follow-up is recommended for early management.