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Stature and longitudinal growth in thalassemia major. A study of 229 Greek patients
Insights
Greek children with homozygous beta-thalassemia often experience growth lag and short stature. Their bone age is delayed, and growth velocity decreases significantly after childhood, with no adolescent growth spurt observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Homozygous beta-thalassemia is a severe genetic blood disorder.
- Growth and development are frequently affected in children with chronic illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate growth patterns in Greek children with homozygous beta-thalassemia.
- To identify factors influencing height and growth velocity in this population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking growth parameters.
- Statistical analysis including multiple regression equations.
- Assessment of bone age and chronological age.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of children exhibited short stature and growth lag.
- Bone age was significantly delayed compared to chronological age.
- Growth velocity decreased after age six (males) and eight (females), with no adolescent growth spurt.
Conclusions:
- Homozygous beta-thalassemia significantly impacts growth in children.
- Delayed bone age and altered growth velocity are characteristic.
- While low hemoglobin and disease severity were suspected factors, statistical significance was not reached.
Abstract:
A high percentage of Greek children with homozygous b-thalassemia were short and had a lag in growth, though some severely affected attained normal height. Bone age lagged significantly behind the chronologic age, even in those with normal height for their age. A longitudinal study demonstrated an initial normal growth velocity which decreased after the age of six for males and eight for females. No patient had a spurt of growth at adolescence. Height gain continued up to the age of 21 and then ceased. Statistical analysis with a multiple regression equation showed a significant relationship between the age and height of the patients. Low hemoglobin levels and severity of the disease seemed to hinder normal growth, but neither relationship was statistically significant.