Abstract
In order to assess early signs of dysfunction of the β-cells in 15 politransfused (mean Hgb=9.1±2.2 9/dl) prepubertal thalassemic major children (Th.),3-14 years old,an OGTT was carried out, after the consent of the parents. It was considered as normal when all glicemic (BS) and insulinemic (IRI) (Biodata) values were within 2 SD in confront to controls. An abnormal BS curve in two (6 and 12 years old) and an abnormally elevated IRI basal value in another two (10 years old) have been observed. The unidirectional Mann-Whitney test was calculated (null hypothesis rejected at P≥ 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in BS or in IRI values at any time of the test.ΔBS and ΔIRI values and the ΔBS/ΔIRI ratio showed significant differences only at 30 min. BS and IRI peaks were at 60 min. in 9/14 and in 8/15 Th. respectively (3/9 and 3/10 in controls respectively). Our data show a delayed insulin secretion in Th. with abnormal BS or IRI curves in 3/5 Th. older than 10 years and in 1/10 Th. younger than 10 years. The β-cells function seems to be alterated precociously, but after the 10th year of life the impairement is more evident.
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Cavallo, L., Margiotta, W., Mautone, A. et al. OGTT in thalassemic major children. Pediatr Res 15, 89 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198101000-00106
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198101000-00106