Accelerated oxidative damage is one of the hallmarks in both sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia
major (TM). A decreased antioxidant level is found in both diseases. Our study was
carried out to evaluate the variation in serum levels of Selenium and Vitamin E among a group
of transfusion dependant Egyptian SCD and TM patients, further more to correlate these levels
with iron overload status or transfusion requirements. A case-control study was conducted at
the Cairo University Pediatric Hospital to assess the serum levels of Selenium using Atomic
Absorption Spectrometer and Vitamin E using commercially available ELISA Kit in transfusion
dependent children, 30 with beta thalassemia and 30 with SCD in a steady state aged from
6 to 18 years, these findings were compared to 30 age/sex matched healthy controls. Our results
revealed a depleted antioxidants level in the studied group of Egyptian children with TM and
SCD relative to healthy controls (P