Cognitive deficits in patients with β-thalassemia major

Background Children with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) have multiple risk factors for developing cognitive impairment. Objective The aim was to assess cognitive function in children with β-TM by comprehensive, well standardized, and validated, wide age range neuropsychological test [computerized Wisconsins card sorting test (WCST)]. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional comparative study that included two groups. Group I included 100 patients with β-TM (their age ranged from 6 to 15 years old, on almost monthly red blood cells transfusion, with no other medical diseases) and group II included 50 healthy controls matched as regarding age and sex. Clinical examination included general and systemic examinations were done. Laboratory data were gathered from patients files. WCST (computer administered version) was applied for assessment of cognitive function. Results The thalassemic patients showed poorer performance than controls on measures of WCST as β-thalassemia patients had significant lower correct response than the control group. On the other hand, they had higher total error, preservative response, preservative error, nonpreservative error than control group. It is possible that attentional deficits contribute to poor performance on memory, processing speed, and executive tasks. Conclusion β-TM patients had significantly more cognitive deficits than healthy controls.