Abstract

Bone disorders and disturbed calcium (Ca) homeostasis are common disorders in b-thalassaemia major (b-TM). In the present study, two bone related markers are studied in b-TM patients with negative C-reactive protein for the first time; fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and CAPS protein. Another goal is to estimate the correlation between the recent parameters and bone biomaterials as a function of iron status parameters in b-TM patients. The results revealed that, in patients with b-TM serum FGFR2, CAPS, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Mg significantly increased while serum Ca levels were low as compared with controls. Ca status is correlated with iron overload in b-TM. A significant correlation was present between CAPS and FGFR2. In conclusion, FGFR2 and CAPS associated with Ca status and subsequent bone disturbances in b-TM patients. Their level can be predicted from the equation: CAPS ¼0.001ALP þ0.48FGFR2- 1.26Ca – 3.95Pi þ12.76 with acceptable applicability.