Labile plasma iron and echocardiographic parameters are associated to cardiac events in beta-thalassemic patients

Background and aim: Notwithstanding the improvement in therapies, patients affected by thalassemia major and intermedia are still at high risk of cardiac complications. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence and predictive factors for developing cardiac events in adult beta-TM and TI patients. Population and methods: Data on diagnosis and clinical history were collected retrospectively; prospective data on new-onset cardiac failure and arrhythmias, echocardiographic parameters, biochemical variables including non-transferrin-bound iron and labile plasma iron, magnetic resonance imaging T2 measurement of hepatic and cardiac iron deposits, and iron chelation therapy were recorded during a 6 year follow-up.