Mahin Hashemipour , Ghasem Ali Javanmard, Hamid Hourfar, Roya Kelishadi, Silva Hovsepian, Sasan Haghighi ,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2004)
Abstract
Background: Increased echogenicity of pancreas, due to hemosiderosis, is a frequent finding in - thalassemic paitents. Hemosiderosis also leads to - cell dysfunction. So diabetes and glucose intolerance are common consequences of hemosiderosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of increased pancreas echogenicity (IPE) with insulin sensitivity in - thalassemic children aged 10-20 years.
Methods: After exclusion of thalassemic paitents with diabetes or familial history of diabetes, pancreas ultrasonography was performed in 42 -thalassemic children and they were divided into 2 groups with normal (21) and increased (21) pancreas echogenicity. Serum ferritin was measured, as well as serum insulin and glucose values, during an OGTT, at 0, 30, 60 and 120 minutes. A control group was selected randomly (n= 23). Insulin Sensitivity Index and Fasting Glucose/Insulin Ratio were calculated and the data were analysed using t-test and ANOVA statistical methods.
Results: Serum feritin differed significantly between 2 groups of thalassemic paitents (P<0.005), but the insulin and glucose values were not significantly different among studied population (P>0.05). Serum feritin was inversely correllated with ISI in patients IPE and 28.6% of them had IFG, as compared to patients with normal echogenicity (P<0.05).
Conclusion : Regarding the detection of all IFG cases among thalassemic paitents with IPE and the relation of feritin with ISI in this group, pancreas ultrasonography may be used to investigate the early stages of diabetes in these patients. however after conducting further studies with larger sample size and on older paitents are recommended.
