List of all regular tests for Thal major

Hi All,

I am from Delhi, India and father of 9 months old thal major. Would like to know what regular medical tests are required along with transfusions.

Hi Anshul,
Warm welcome to the Thalpal.

First of all take opportunity to meet the group of Thals from whole of India at International Conference. They are at delhi on 24-25 November. You will be happy to see all those friends. They will inspire you.
http://www.thalassemiaconference.in/
 
Tests:
Pre transfusion Hb (It should be above 9.00gms) ,S.Ferritin at every 3 months

Thanks Dharmesh. Is there any other tests also that are done regularly(annually, semi annually)..?

Looking on the age i don't think anything will be useful right now.

Hi Anshul,

Welcome to Thalpal. Nice to meet you.

Regarding regular tests, below are the tests which you should get done during every transfusion:

1. CBC (Complete Blood Count).
2. SGPT/SGOT (ALT/AST).

Regarding, annual, semi-annual tests:

1. Serum Ferritin (should be done every 2-3 months).
2. HIV (every 6 months).
3. FBS (Fasting Blood Glucose - annually).

That's all I believe now, should be sufficient.

-P.

Thanks Prateek.

Currently, with every transfusion, only Hb is checked. Do i need to ask for other test like  SGPT/SGOT (ALT/AST). Heis 9 months old now.

Thanks Prateek.

Currently, with every transfusion, only Hb is checked. Do i need to ask for other test like  SGPT/SGOT (ALT/AST). Heis 9 months old now.

Yes, especially monitoring SGPT/SGOT after starting chelation. SGPT and SGOT are liver and kidney functions respectively. When using chelators, the load on them increases and that is why keeping your child hydrated is most important. Thus, you should get done SGPT and SGOT both done every time a transfusion is planned.

Normally, a thal major's SGPT can be up to 4X times larger than norms, but if it increases (when using chelators) above 140 or so, chelator's dose should be decreased or discontinued for 2-3 days.

-P.