Serum lipid profile abnormalities among beta-thalassemia patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Patients with betathalassemia have higher risk of various metabolic disturbances. The literature presents conflicting results about the patterns of abnormal lipid profile among patients with betathalassemia. This systematic review aimed to assess dyslipidemia patterns among patients with betathalassemia when compared with healthy individuals.

Methods

The methods used were adherent to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches of the literature were done across Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Regional Portal of the World Health Organization Virtual Health Library. Calculation of standardized mean difference (SMD) estimates and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were done through Jamovi software.

Results

The systematic review included 21 studies meeting the criteria for the analyses. Patients with beta-thalassemia major displayed significantly elevated triglyceride levels (SMD: 0.448, 95% CI, 0.214 to 0.682; P < .001) and reduced total serum cholesterol (SMD: -2.26 (95% CI-2.834 to -1.678; P < .001), as well as decreased levels of both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: -1.88, 95% CI, -2.614 to -1.147; P < .001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (SMD: -1.32, 95% CI, -1.786 to -0.860; P < .001). Similarly, beta-thalassemia intermedia patients exhibited comparable lipid profile abnormalities to those with beta-thalassemia major. Conversely, beta-thalassemia minor patients only showed significantly lower total serum cholesterol levels (SMD: -0.66, 95% CI, -0.860 to -0.472; P < .001).

Conclusion

Evidence indicates alterations in lipid profile markers among beta-thalassemia patients. The findings indicate the importance of assessing hypertriglyceridemia and hypocholesterolemia in these patients, especially those with major and intermedia forms, as these lipid profile abnormalities increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-024-02377-6.