Effect of Spirulina on Liver Iron Concentration in Beta Thalassemic Children With Hepatitis C

Tanta University30 enrolled

Overview

Thalassemics can develop liver fibrosis because of iron overload and hepatitis C infection. The latter is the main risk factor for liver fibrosis in transfusion dependent thalassemics. Excess liver iron is clearly recognized as a co factor for the development of advanced fibrosis in patients with hepatitis virus C infection. Magnetic resonance imaging represents the most available noninvasive technique to assess the level of iron in the liver.there is evidence that suggests Spirulina may help to protect against liver damage, cirrhosis and liver failure in those with chronic liver disease.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Beta Thalassemia Major

Interventions

Spirulina in a dose of 250 mg/kg/day will be given orally for 3 months.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 6 YearsMax age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * multitransfused beta thalassemic children with super added hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection diagnosed by serological detection of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Exclusion Criteria: * liver decompensation child younger than 3 years patients with hepatitis B infection contraindications to perform MRI (intraocular metallic foreign body, cardiac pacemaker, intracranial clips of arterial brain aneurysms) refusal to participate in the study

Locations (1)

Faculty of Medicine- Tanta University

Tanta, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

liver iron concentration using magnetic resonance imaging (T2* gradient echo pulse sequence in the axial plane)

Time frame: 3 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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