Correlation between Serum Ferritin and Liver Function Parameters: A Study of Adult Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with beta-thalassemia frequently experience iron overload due to hemolysis and repeated transfusions, with the liver being a primary site of iron deposition. Excess iron can cause oxidative stress and liver dysfunction, making hepatic markers crucial for monitoring iron toxicity. This study examines the relationship between serum ferritin levels and SGOT, SGPT, and the SGOT/SGPT ratio in adult beta-thalassemia major patients to assess liver function in the context of iron overload. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed secondary data from the medical records of 40 adult patients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia major at Universitas Airlangga Hospital. Participants were chosen through consecutive sampling. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test to identify the correlation between serum ferritin levels with SGOT, SGPT, and the SGOT/SGPT ratio in adult beta-thalassemia major patients. The analysis results are significant if the p-value is <0.05. The statistical test used the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Most participants (67.5%) had serum ferritin levels below 1000 μg/L. Most subjects had SGOT and SGPT levels within the normal range (82.5% and 87.5%, respectively). Chi-square analysis revealed no significant relationship between serum ferritin levels and SGOT (p = 0.455), SGPT (p = 0.097), or the SGOT/SGPT ratio (p = 0.871). Conclusion: No significant relationship between serum ferritin levels and SGOT, SGPT levels, or the SGOT/SGPT ratio in adult patients with beta-thalassemia major.