J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2018 Dec 7. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001380. [Epub ahead of print]
Cardioprotective Effects of Spirulina Therapy in Children With Beta-Thalassemia Major.
El-Shanshory M1, Tolba O, El-Shafiey R, Mawlana W, Ibrahim M, El-Gamasy M.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Cardiac failure in children with Thalassemia major (TM) is the major cause of death due to iron overload. Spirulina is a micro alga with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and may have a cardioprotective effect.
AIM OF THE WORK:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of spirulina supplement in TM children.
SUBJECT AND METHODS:
It is an interventional study carried out in 60 children with TM and 30 healthy children matched for age and sex as control. Both groups received spirulina supplement at a dose of 250 mg/kg/d for 3 months. 2D Echo, Tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking imaging (STI) were done for all the studied cohort before and after the 3-month duration of spirulina supplement.
RESULTS:
There was significant improvement in hemoglobin level at the end of 3-month period (8.27±1.3 vs. 9.023±1.7; P <0.033) with decrease the frequency of blood transfusion in TM patients (66.6% vs. 40% required transfusion at interval less than 2 wk). Left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) significantly improved after 3-month period (-21.7±4.64 vs. -24.67±4.478; P <0.002).
CONCLUSIONS:
Spirulina supplement has possible beneficial effect in minimizing the frequency of blood transfusion as well as cardioprotective effect against cardiac damage in TM patients.
PMID: 30531602 DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001380
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30531602