Endocrine histology findings in a prepubertal thalassemic girl with multiple endocrine complications secondary to iron overload.

β-thalassaemia major (TM) is an inherited disorder of erythropoiesis requiring regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy for the iron overload resulting from transfusions and increased gastrointestinal absorption. Endocrine dysfunctions are common in older children with TM and has been attributed to iron deposition in endocrine glands. The Authors report the clinical and histological findings of endocrine glands in a prepubertal girl with multiple endocrine complications secondary to iron overloadn died from cardiac failure. Variations in severity of the disease and therapeutic regimens may result in different incidence and types of complications It is emphasized the importance of chelating therapy to protect endocrine glands from haemosiderosis.