Effect of N-acetylcysteine on cardiac iron status in transfusion dependent thalassemia children - A Randomized control trial.

A randomized controlled trial study design will be used. Subjects will be defined as children aged 10 years-18 years of either gender with transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia diagnosis based on clinical phenotype and HPLC.

A feasibility sample of 60 patients with 30 patients in each group will be enrolled. The patients will be randomized in two groups using computer generated random number sequence. Allocation concealment will be done using serially numbered opaque sealed envelopes that will contain a paper slip with name of allocation group. The duration of study would be 1 year.

Demographic and clinical data will be recorded. Anthropometry and Clinical examination will be performed. Baseline hematologic investigations will be sent along with ECG, Echocardiography (In the department of cardiology at Lala shyam lal building) and cardiac MRI (to be done in PGIMS trauma centre as poor free on special request). No additional charges will be born by patient for any of these investigations.

Children in study group will receive tablet N -acetylcysteine at a dose of 10 mg/kg orally, once daily for six months, available in PGIMS central store as 600 mg tablet. This tablet is to be taken with food along with other medications.control group will not recieve n acetylcysteine will only recieve standard chelation therapy.