Effects of vitamin D deficiency and supplementation on myocardial and hepatic iron status and function in children with beta-thalassemia
Annals of Hematology, cilt.105, sa.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 105 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00277-026-06978-2
- Dergi Adı: Annals of Hematology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Pediatrics, Transfusion-dependent, Beta-thalassemia, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Cardiac, Liver, MRI T2*, Iron overload
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on myocardial and hepatic iron burden and organ function in children with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the pediatric hematology department of our institution. Patients aged three years and older with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia were included. Baseline and post-treatment laboratory assessments included serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. All patients received vitamin D supplementation according to their deficiency status. Cardiac and hepatic iron deposition were evaluated using T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed by echocardiography. Results: A total of 88 pediatric patients were enrolled. The largest proportion of patients was aged 4–9 years (n = 53), followed by those aged 10–14 years (n = 22) and 15–19 years (n = 13). The cohort consisted of 54.5% males (n = 48) and 45.5% females (n = 40). Patients were categorized into three groups based on serum 25(OH)D levels: severe deficiency (< 10 ng/mL), mild deficiency (10–20 ng/mL), and sufficiency (≥ 20 ng/mL). Three months after vitamin D supplementation, statistically significant improvements were observed in both cardiac and hepatic MRI T2* values (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation was associated with significant improvement in myocardial and hepatic iron parameters, suggesting a potential beneficial role in reducing iron-induced organ dysfunction. These findings highlight the importance of routine vitamin D monitoring and management in children with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia.