Hypocholesterolemia in children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia intermedia.

Objectives: To conduct a prospective study to evaluate the lipid profile in children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia intermedia and major, and to examine the contribution of different factors to hypocholesterolemia observed in these patients.

Study Design: Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were prospectively obtained from patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia (n = 9) and major (n = 47). Lipid profiles were also determined in a control group of healthy children (n = 18).