A rare case of bronze diabetes in a patient with thalassemia
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Date
2022-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medip Academy
Abstract
Secondary haemochromatosis (also known as bronze diabetes) is a perilous medical condition that can occur as a complication of frequent blood transfusions. Thalassemia major which occurs due to a decrease in the beta globulin chain can lead to severe anemia, extramedullary hematopoiesis and splenomegaly. Becauseof this, the affected patients requiredcontinuous blood transfusions throughout their life and as a consequence, it may lead to iron overload. A 26-year-old male presented with a complaint of darkening skin, joint pain and fever. He was a known case of thalassemia major and was undergoing blood transfusions three times a week. Further laboratory findings revealed decreased hemoglobin, abnormal liver function tests and increased blood glucose levels. The patient was managed with IV insulin and chelation therapy. The patient responded to treatment and was better on subsequent follow-up. The diagnostic and therapeutic challenges along with the epidemiological dataemphasize the need of raising the awareness of physicians to this devastating condition.
Description
Keywords
Bronze diabetes, Chelation therapy, Thalassemia major, Iron overload
Citation
Sharma Karan V., Khandhedia Parth B., Sharma Vijay H.. A rare case of bronze diabetes in a patient with thalassemia . International Journal of Advances in Medicine. 2022 May; 9(5): 616-618