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Physical growth parameters in thalassemic children
Insights
Thalassemic children exhibit significantly retarded growth, particularly in height and weight, compared to their siblings. This growth deficit worsens with age and is linked to lower hemoglobin levels, suggesting chronic hypoxia and iron overload as causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder requiring lifelong management.
- Growth retardation is a known complication in children with thalassemia.
- Understanding growth patterns is crucial for monitoring disease impact and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare growth parameters of thalassemic children with non-thalassemic siblings and established norms.
- To identify specific growth parameters most affected by thalassemia.
- To explore the relationship between hemoglobin levels and growth retardation in thalassemic children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing 233 thalassemic children with 74 non-thalassemic siblings.
- Measurement of various growth parameters including weight, height, and circumferences (head, chest, mid-arm).
- Comparison with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth norms.
Main Results:
- Thalassemic children showed significant retardation in weight and height compared to controls.
- Growth deficits became apparent from 9+ years of age in both genders.
- Mid-arm circumference was more affected than head and chest circumferences; severe retardation correlated with hemoglobin < 8 gm/dl.
Conclusions:
- Growth parameters in thalassemic children are adversely affected by the condition, particularly with advancing age.
- Chronic hypoxia and iron overload are likely contributing factors to the observed growth retardation.
- Monitoring growth parameters is essential for managing children with thalassemia.
Abstract:
Various growth parameters of 233 (140 boys, 93 girls) thalassemic children were compared with 74 (45 boys and 29 girls) non-thalassemic siblings, ICMR and NCHS norms. Weight and height were retarded in thalassemic children. The difference between thalassemic and non-thalassemic siblings, was evident from 9+ years in both boys and girls. Growth parameters seemed to be adversely affected with the advancing age. Among head, chest and mid arm circumferences, the mid arm circumference was more affected than head and chest circumferences. Height and weight were more severely retarded in children with hemoglobin levels of less than 8 gm/dl. The findings seemed to suggest that press of retardation was probably secondary to chronic hypoxia and iron overload.