THALASSAEMIA NEPHROPATHY STUDY
Dr Sarah Cameron1, Dr Mimi Yue1, Dr Greg Wilson1
1Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
Aim: We investigated the renal function of patients with the thalassaemia syndromes to identify the incidence of renal impairment and elucidate contributing factors.
Background: Chronic Kidney disease is a lesser-known complication of the thalassaemia syndromes. Proposed mechanisms include chronic anaemia induced hyperfiltration injury, iron chelator mediated toxicity and iron overload of the kidney.
Methods: All patients aged 18 years or older who attend the Mater Hospital Haemoglobinopathy service were included in the study. 30 patients with thalassaemia syndromes were identified; 19 of which had transfusion dependent disease (TDT) and 11 of which were not transfusion dependent (NTDT). Patient’s clinical and pathological parameters where recorded and analysed.
Results: 47% (9/19) patients had CKD in the transfusion dependent group compared to one patient in the non-transfusion dependent group (9%, 1/11). Blood transfusion and severity of anaemia were identified as risk factors for development of CKD. 6 of these patients with CKD had proteinuria with preserved renal function. No association between iron overload, iron chelator therapy and CKD was identified.
Conclusion: CKD is a common complication of TDT, especially those who received frequent blood transfusions and have severe anaemia. Regular screening of urine albumin excretion should be considered to help diagnose early kidney disease prevent the onset of renal impairment.
Biography:
Dr Sarah Cameron is a current second year basic physician trainee in Queensland. Sarah undertook this research under the guidance of Dr Wilson and Dr Yue and she thanks them for their assistance. Sarah has a keen interest in renal medicine and hopes to commence advanced training in 2026. This research was conducted during her time as a basic trainee at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane.