Ukrainian Journal of Perinatology and Pediatrics. 2026.1(105): 63-66. doi: 10.15574/PP.2026.1(105).6366
Hamidova G. E.^1,2, Azizova G. I.¹, Shahverdiyeva I. J.¹, Jafarova G. A.^1
1Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku
²International Prime Hospital, Baku, Azerbaijan

For citation: Hamidova GE, Azizova GI, Shahverdiyeva IJ, Jafarova GA. (2026). Calcium and ıron metabolism in children with major beta-thalassemia. Ukrainian Journal of Perinatology and Pediatrics. 1(105): 63-66. doi: 10.15574/PP.2026.1(105).6366.
Article received: Jan 02, 2026. Accepted for publication: Feb 16, 2026.

Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic anemia, which often necessitates blood transfusions. Beyond iron overload, disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism contribute significantly to skeletal complications in these patients.
Aim. This study investigates the relationship between iron and bone metabolism markers in children with β-TM to optimize the correction of iron overload and related complications.
Material and methods.  A cohort of 30 children aged 6-11 years with β-TM, receiving regular blood transfusions, was compared to 25 age-matched healthy controls (control group). Blood samples were analyzed for markers of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, including serum calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels, along with iron metabolism markers such as ferritin, hepcidin, and ferroportin.
Results. Significant findings include elevated serum ferritin and iron levels in β-TM patients, along with a decrease in hepcidin (p<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency (p<0.001) was observed, correlating with increased FGF-23 levels (p<0.05). These findings suggest a reciprocal relationship between calcium and phosphorus, and iron metabolism in β-TM.
Conclusion. The results highlight the critical interplay between iron and bone metabolism in β-TM. FGF-23 could serve as a key marker for bone metabolism disturbances, and the regulation of hepcidin and ferroportin may offer insights into managing iron overload and related complications.
The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The informed consent of the patients was obtained for conducting the studies.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: b-thalassemia major, vitamin D, hepcidin, ferroportin, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23).

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