Impact of bone disease and pain in thalassemia.

Impact of bone disease and pain in thalassemia. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2017 Dec 08;2017(1):272-277 Authors: Piga A Abstract Conventional treatment of thalassemia, namely regular blood transfusion and iron chelation, improves perspectives and quality of life; however, successful treatment leads to more time in which long-term complications such as bone disease can develop. Thalassemia bone disease (TBD) is unique: all aspects, from bone anatomy and bone quality to mineral density, may be affected, with important morbidity including osteoporosis, fractures, spinal deformities, nerve compression, and pain. Clinical presentations include growth impairment, rickets-like features, back pain, spinal deformities, any sign of nerve compression, severe osteoporosis, and fragility fractures. Age, history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests support orientation on risk factors. These include bone marrow expansion, toxicity from iron overload and iron chelation, endocrine dysfunctions (hypogonadism, hypohyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, diabetes), and vitamin (D, C, K) and zinc deficiencies. Several of these may coexist in an individual for a long time and at different degrees, making clarification of the relative contribution and selection of the best therapeutic options a challenge. Milestones for prevention of TBD are early and full inhibition of bone marrow hyperplasia and iron toxicity. E...
Source: Hematology ASH Education Program - Category: Hematology Tags: Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program Source Type: research