Hypoparathyroidism and Other Endocrine Dysfunction Complicating Thalassaemia Major

One of the major problems in the long-term management of patients with thalassaemia major is the development of haemosiderosis. A case is reported of a 19-year-old boy with thalassaemia who, in addition to cardiac, liver and skin involvement commonly seen in this disease, developed diabetes, hypoparathyroidism and evidence of other endocrine organ hypofunction. It is suggested that the endocrine organ involvement as seen in this patient will be seen more often in Australia owing to the increasing life expectancy of patients with thalassaemia major, unless progressive haemosiderosis is prevented.