Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Dermatology, cilt.48, sa.10, ss.1057-1061, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Background: β-Thalassemia major affects multiple organs and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The goal of this analysis was to document the frequency of skin diseases among patients with β-thalassemia major. Methods: A sample of 78 patients with β-thalassemia major was recruited and interviewed at the thalassemia clinic between April and June 2008. A dermatologist completed a skin examination of each patient and recorded any skin disease present. The patients' laboratory results and treatment modalities were recorded from the charts. Results: Sixty-five (83.3%) of the 78 patients examined had a diagnosed skin disease: pruritus (37.2%), xerosis (34.6%), scars (24.4%), ephelides (23.1%), skin irritation/erythema caused by deferoxamine pump (12.8%), idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (6.4%), pityriasis alba (6.4%), tinea infections (5.1%), verruca vulgaris (5.1%), urticaria (3.8%), hyperhidrosis, contact dermatitis, and acne (2.6%), necrobiosis lipoidica (1.3%), melasma (1.3%), and others (14.1%). Pruritus and xerosis increased in frequency with age. The mean serum ferritin level was higher in patients with xerosis than in those without (5607.7 ± 2997.5 ng/mL and 4285.2 ± 4732.4 ng/mL, respectively) (P = 0.005). Moreover, xerosis was observed significantly more frequently in patients using deferoxamine and deferiprone than in those using deferasirox (P = 0.047, P = 0.027, and P = 0.273, respectively). Conclusion: Skin diseases, especially pruritus and xerosis, are observed highly frequently in patients with β-thalassemia major. Treatment is needed for these patients who already have other significant morbidities. © 2009 The International Society of Dermatology.