Prevalence of hepatitis and its correlation with serum ferritin and aminotransferase levels among thalassemia major patients in Indonesia
Abstract: Thalassemia major
patients who undergo routine transfusion have an increased risk of acquiring
transfusion-transmitted infections (TTI), including hepatitis B and C. These
diseases have serious implications and may affect the serum ferritin and
aminotransferase levels of thalassemia major patients.
Objectives To identify the prevalence of hepatitis B and/or C infections
among thalassemia major patients and to evaluate its correlation with serum
ferritin and aminotransferase levels.
Methods This was across-sectional study conducted at the Thalassemia
Center of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. The subjects
were screened for hepatitis B and C infections, and their serum ferritin and
aminotransferase levels were also measured.
Results In total, 621 subjects were included in the study, among which 5
subjects tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (0.8%), 111
subjects tested positive for anti-HCV (17.8%), and 5 subjects tested positive
for both HBsAg and anti-HCV (0.8%). The subjects who tested positive for
hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or both showed significantly higher values of
aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum
ferritin compared to their negative counterparts. Moreover, serum ferritin
showed a positive, moderate correlation with both AST and ALT.
Conclusion This study shows a significant association between hepatitis
and serum ferritin as well as aminotransferase levels. Early detection and
early management of hepatitis B and C infections is warranted to minimize the
occurrence of liver damage in thalassemia major patients.
Keywords: thalassemia major;
hepatitis; serum ferritin; AST; ALT
Author: Pustika Amalia
Wahidiyat, Felix Liauw, Nitish Basant Adnani, Siti Ayu Putriasih
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170177
