LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF SPLENECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH β- THALASSEMIA MAJOR

Main Article Content

Asif Imran, Muhammad Ismail, Abbas Ali Raza, Tamjeed Gul, Aurangzeb, Saad Ali Shah

Keywords

β-thalassemia major, splenectomy, transfusion requirements, complications, quality of life, chronic anemia, hematological disorders

Abstract

Individuals diagnosed with β-thalassemia major frequently deal with problems
related to splenomegaly and persistent anaemia. In order to address these issues, this study explores
the long-term effects of splenectomy as a therapeutic strategy.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 150 patients with β-thalassemia major who underwent
splenectomy was carried out in the department of surgery at MTI, Mardan Medical Complex,
Mardan, Pakistan during the years between 2018 and 2022. The study evaluated improvements in
quality of life, incidence of complications following splenectomy, and changes in transfusion
requirements.
Results: Our results show a considerable and statistically significant decrease in the need for
transfusions after splenectomy, especially in extremely transfusion-dependent patients (p < 0.001).
The study also shows that, in line with previous research, the incidence of sequelae, such as sepsis
and thrombocytosis, was below acceptable bounds. Subjective evaluations showed a significant
increase in overall quality of life, which was corroborated by lower pain and exhaustion scores (p
< 0.001).

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