الفهرس 
Beta ThalassemiaOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
β-thalassemia major requires regular blood transfusions to maintain normal levels of hemoglobin, yet the long-term consequences associated with iron overload may lead to various complications, including damage of parenchymal organs and cardiovascular system. Researches hypothesized the correlation between iron overload and endothelial dysfunction due to peroxidative tissue injury, circulating cholesterol oxidation products, and possibly coronary artery disease. Among cardiovascular complications, Heart failure still represents the leading cause of mortality in patients with β-thalassemia.
As endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial thickness are important risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis, several studies suggested the measurement of arterial intima-media thickness as a good determinant of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Proinflammatory cytokines play a key role in atherogenesis, directly or indirectly by stimulating the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, reducing endothelial-derived NO and by elevating levels of serum ADMA. Thus, ADMA is an early marker for endothelial dysfunction and an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events.
Aim of the work:
The aim of this study is to evaluate serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine level in children with β-thalassemia as an early marker for endothelial dysfunction.
Patients and methods:
This study is a cross sectional study that was conducted in the Hematology Unit in Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital.
Subjects were divided into two groups:
1. The patient group:
Consisted of 30 patients previously diagnosed with β-thalassemia patients and visiting the hospital for follow up and blood transfusion.
2. The control group:
Consisted of 30 normal children and adolescents of comparable age, sex and socioeconomic standards.