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The importance of using ethnically appropriate reference ranges for growth assessment in sickle cell disease
R A Patey1, K P Sylvester, G F Rafferty
1Paediatric Respiratory Laboratory, Department of Child Health, Guy's, King's and St Thomas' School of Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Insights
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) were taller but had similar weight and BMI compared to Caucasian controls. However, they had lower weight and BMI than African/Caribbean controls, emphasizing the need for ethnically appropriate growth references.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder affecting growth and development.
- Standard growth charts may not accurately reflect anthropometric parameters in diverse pediatric populations.
- Ethnic variations in body composition and growth patterns are recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in children with SCD against ethnically matched and unmatched control groups.
- To assess the adequacy of current reference ranges for anthropometric measurements in children with SCD.
- To investigate ethnic differences in growth parameters among children.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 56 children with SCD, 57 Caucasian (CC) children, and 63 African/Caribbean (AC) children aged 3-9 years.
- Standardized measurements of height and weight were performed.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).
Main Results:
- Children with SCD were significantly taller than CC controls but had comparable weight and BMI.
- SCD children exhibited lower weight and BMI compared to AC controls.
- AC controls demonstrated greater height, weight, and BMI than CC controls.
Conclusions:
- Growth patterns in children with SCD differ from those in Caucasian and African/Caribbean children.
- Current reference ranges for height, weight, and BMI may not be universally applicable, particularly for children with SCD.
- The use of ethnically appropriate reference ranges is crucial for accurate assessment of growth and nutritional status in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated in 56 sickle cell disease (SCD), 57 Caucasian (CC), and 63 African/Caribbean (AC) 3-9 year old children. The SCD children were taller, but had similar weight and BMI to the CC controls. The SCD group had lower weight and BMI than the AC controls. The AC controls were of greater height, weight, and BMI than CC controls. These data highlight the importance of using ethnically appropriate reference ranges.