Evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Iraqi adult and pediatric patients with beta-thalassemia major using two different iron chelation therapies

Abstract

Beta Thalassemia major (β-TM) is a common inherited blood disorder in Iraq. Iron overload is caused by repeated blood transfusion; which may result in severe complications. Patients with β-TM require lifelong adherence to a burdensome medical regimen which could potentially impact their ' quality of life (QoL). Hence, it is of utmost importance to pay a great attention to their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate health-related quality of life in both adult and pediatric patients using Deferoxamine (DFO) or Deferasirox (DFX) iron chelation therapies (ICTs) and to assess different factors affecting their elated quality of life. Two instruments were used to evaluate quality of life; the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life in adults (DFO group and DFX group), and PedsQL was used to evaluate quality of life in pediatrics (DFO group and DFX group). Several variables were assessed for correlation with quality of life domains. In adults patients; Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) components were significantly lower in patients receiving Deferoxamine (DFO). In pediatric patients, only physical functioning score was significantly lower in Deferoxamine(DFO) receiving patients, the rest of the variables show no statistical differences. Pediatrics have slightly better quality of life (QoL) and lower complications in comparison to adults. Thalassemia impairs quality of life (QoL) in all patients significantly. Improving quality of life (QoL) is achieved by better control of iron overload, iron chelation therapies (ICTs) adverse effects, and complications.