Prevalence and risk factors of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis among Beta Thalassemia patients

Objective: This study aims to examine the clinical and radiological features of skeletal changes in patients with thalassemia and provide a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in these patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia, both adults and children, who received follow-up care at our thalassemia center between 2019 and 2020.. Thalassemia was diagnosed via hemoglobin electrophoresis. Transfusion-dependent patients were defined as those who received transfusions every 2-4 weeks, while the control group consisted of individuals with thalassemia trait/carriers.. Both groups were analyzed for clinical characteristics, and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, and radiographic images of the knee and wrist were evaluated. Results: DEXA scans of the femur and lumbar spine showed that the prevalence of osteoporosis , Synovial hypertrophy of the wrist joint , wrist effusion , knee effusion, and Power Doppler signals on wrist ultrasound scans was statistically significantly higher in transfusion-dependent thalassemia compared to patients with thalassemia carriers. Conclusion: Beta thalassemia is an inherited multisystem disease that leads to various musculoskeletal abnormalities. Knowledge of the musculoskeletal manifestations of thalassemia allows clinicians to guide their treatment. Familiarity with the radiological features of beta thalassemia is crucial for physicians in the timely diagnosis and management of thalassemia and its complications