Yu U, Chen L, Wang X, et al. - Since β-thalassemia major (β-TM) was correlated with potentially severe clinical characteristics in young children, including poor growth, feeding difficulties, hepatosplenomegaly, bone metabolic disorders, and skeletal abnormalities, researchers explored the interaction between the vitamin D and calcium statuses and the associated risk of bone disease development in β-TM patients. Between January and June 2018, data of 32 children who visited SZCH for regular blood transfusions were retrospectively reviewed. Findings propose that a low serum concentration of 25(OH)D₃, an indication of vitamin D deficiency, and altered bone metabolism can be correlated with hepatic iron overload in older children. Higher concentration of ALT, a sensitive marker of liver malfunction, may also be linked to iron accumulation. Such results may provide important clinical signs of the need for treatment in children with β thalassemia to prevent severe complications.