Cardioprotective Effects of Spirulina Therapy in Children With Beta-Thalassemia Major

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2019 Apr;41(3):202-206. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001380.

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac failure in children with Thalassemia major (TM) is the major cause of death due to iron overload. Spirulina is a micro alga with proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and may have a cardioprotective effect.

Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of spirulina supplement in TM children.

Subject and methods: It is an interventional study carried out in 60 children with TM and 30 healthy children matched for age and sex as control. Both groups received spirulina supplement at a dose of 250 mg/kg/d for 3 months. 2D Echo, Tissue Doppler, and speckle tracking imaging (STI) were done for all the studied cohort before and after the 3-month duration of spirulina supplement.

Results: There was significant improvement in hemoglobin level at the end of 3-month period (8.27±1.3 vs. 9.023±1.7; P <0.033) with decrease the frequency of blood transfusion in TM patients (66.6% vs. 40% required transfusion at interval less than 2 wk). Left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) significantly improved after 3-month period (-21.7±4.64 vs. -24.67±4.478; P <0.002).

Conclusions: Spirulina supplement has possible beneficial effect in minimizing the frequency of blood transfusion as well as cardioprotective effect against cardiac damage in TM patients.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Iron Overload / complications
  • Male
  • Spirulina*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / therapy
  • beta-Thalassemia / complications
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*

Substances

  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Hemoglobins