SERUM SELENIUM LEVELS IN GREEK BETA-THALASSEMIA PATIENTS

Serum selenium levels of 80 beta-thalassemia patients were determined and compared to levels of healthy Greeks of the same geographical area (n = 85, 0 - 30 years). Significantly higher values were observed in the patient group and most pronounced for females. There was an increa se in serum Se concentration as a function of age in both groups, most pronounced in the healthy group. Scarce data on Se levels in hematolo gical disorders are discussed. Serum selenium levels of healthy Greeks were similar to those found for other Mediterranean countries.