Evaluation of marriage and childbirth in patients with non-transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia major at Thalassemia Research Center of Sari, Iran

Background and Purpose: Patients with non-transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia major (NTDTM) could reach old age, marry and
have children with appropriate care. This study aimed to review the marital status and maternal-fetal outcomes of NTDTM patients at
Thalassemia Research Center (TRC) of Sari, Iran.
Methods: In this study, medical records of patients with β-thalassemia major were reviewed from July 2014 to December 2014. All
the patients were interviewed, and a questionnaire was designated by research methodology experts. Reliability of the questionnaires
was measured through a pilot study on 12 patients using the test-retest method (r=0.9). In addition, epidemiological characteristics and
pregnancy outcomes of the patients were recorded. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics in SPSS.
Results: In total, 419 records were reviewed, and 74 cases (17.6%) had NTDTM. During a 25-year marriage period, 23 pregnancies
were reported with 18 childbirths. Low birth weight was observed in three neonates (23.1%), and there was one assisted pregnancy.
In addition, one female NTDTM patient was married to a β-thalassemia carrier and had two abortions (one after prenatal diagnosis).
In this study, 24 (32.4%) and 14 (58.3%) male NTDTM patients were married, and only one case had a child. Mean age of marriage
in male NTDTM patients was 25.3±4.2 years.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, proper management of NTDTM patients will help them reach the reproductive age.
It also seems that fertility is higher among female NTDTM patients.