Cognitive Function in Children With b-Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Objectives: To assess intelligence Quotient (IQ) in transfusion dependent b-thalassemia major patients using Malin Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC) and to correlate verbal IQ (VIQ), performance IQ (PIQ) and full scale IQ (FSIQ) with serum ferritin levels and annual blood transfusion requirements.

Methods: Cross-sectional study design, enrolling 100 patients of transfusion-dependent b-thalassemia aged 6 years to 15 years 11 months. IQ was assessed using MISIC.

Results: Mean (SD) full scale IQ was 95.96 (7.23). IQ was 'average' in most of the patients. There was a significant negative correlation of serum ferritin levels with object assembly (r=-0.215, P=0.034) component of PIQ; annual blood requirement with general comprehension component of VIQ (r=-0.275, P=0.006) and age at diagnosis with PIQ (r=-0.273, P=0.006). There was a significant linear correlation of PIQ (r=0.280, P=0.005) and FSIQ (r=0.274, P=0.006) with pre-transfusion hemoglobin.

Conclusion: IQ correlates with age at diagnosis and average annual pre-transfusion hemoglobin. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and maintenance of satisfactory hemoglobin levels.