Hossain, FariaSharmeen, OliaAlam, Md. FakhrulShawon, Md. Hasan MoshiurRowan, Rowshan2025-08-132025-08-132025-04Hossain Faria, Sharmeen Olia, Alam Md. Fakhrul, Shawon Md. Hasan Moshiur, Rowan Rowshan. Effects of thalidomide in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients. Annals of International Medical and Dental Research. 2025 Apr; 11(2): 18-232395-28222395-2814https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/250001Backgrounds: Beta thalassemia constitutes inherited disorders of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis caused by decreased synthesis of ?-globin chains and relative overproduction of ?-globin chains, causing cell membrane damage, which plays a key role in ineffective erythropoiesis and peripheral hemolysis. Thalidomide, a fetal Hb inducer, shows significant effects in increasing Hb as well as transfusion requirements. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thalidomide in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia patients. Methods: The prospective study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in collaboration with the Department of Hematology at Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital over 1 year, from November 2022 to October 2023. A sample size of 54 with selection criteria included individuals with diagnosed cases of beta thalassemia who were transfusion-dependent. Thalidomide was given at 5 mg/kg/day to all age groups, along with aspirin at 3 mg/kg/day coverage, in addition to conventional therapy. Then, four monthly follow-ups were done for 1 year. Result: Thalidomide leads to an increase in mean Hb levels from 7.06 ± 0.99 g/dL to 9.33 ± 1.16 g/dL (P < 0.001) after 1 year of treatment. The mean number of blood transfusions reduced from 10.98 ± 1.41/year to 10.31 ± 1.36 (P < 0.001) after 1 year of treatment. Conclusion: The study revealed that thalidomide treatment led to a substantial increase in Hb levels as well as a notable decrease in transfusion frequency.Beta thalassemiablood transfusionhemoglobinthalidomide.Journal ArticleIndiaDepartment of Neonatal ICU, Evercare Hospital, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Pediatrics, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, BangladeshDepartment of Pediatrics, District Hospital, Pirojpur, BangladeshSir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh