Context: Thalassemia is one of the most common hereditary disorders in Asia and most parts of the world and has drawn the attention of scientific research by many.It is accompanied with metabolic dysregulation, iron overload, chronic hypoxia and cell damage. All physiological changes result in ineffective erythropoiesis, hemolysis and
anemia. Most patients are dependent on either blood transfusion or bone marrow transplantation for survival. Regular transfusion has improved the span and quality of their lives but has been known to cause alterations in the hematological and biochemical parameters.

Aims: The present study was conducted to assess the changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in thalassemia patients for timely correction of any deranged parameters, to prevent any severe complications and to improve quality of life.

Methods and Material: The study was done on 35 thalassemia patients who were admitted for treatment and blood transfusions. Thirty-five healthy individual controls were matched by sex and age. Total iron binding capacity (TIBC), Serum Iron, Serum Calcium, Serum creatinine, Serum phosphorus (P), Serum Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Serum Ferritin were estimated. Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (HCT), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Platelet count, Red Cell Distribution Width-Standard Deviation and Coefficient of Variation (RDW-SD, RDW-CV) were measured. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for the social sciences (Version 17). Results were compared using independent t-test and Mann Whitney U test.

Results: Hb, HCT, MCHC, TIBC, Serum Creatinine and Serum Phosphorous were significantly decreased (p<0.005) in thalassemia patients when compared with control group. RDW(SD), RDW(CV), Serum Iron and Serum Ferritin showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.005) in the thalassemia patients. MCV, MCH, Platelet count,
Serum Calcium and Serum ALP showed no significant difference.

Conclusion: Repeated blood transfusions in thalassemia cause derangement of many hematological and biochemical parameters. Regular monitoring of these parameters is important for better management of patients.

Keywords: Thalassemia; Blood transfusion; Hematological; Biochemical Parameters.

Key Messages: Regular blood transfusion in thalassemia patients causes derangement in their hematological and
biochemical parameters. It is important to monitor these parameters in all thalassemia patients undergoing repeated
blood transfusions. Regular assessment will help in providing timely correction of any deranged parameters,
prevent severe complications and improve the quality of life in these patients.