Evaluation of growth parameters in patients with thalassemia major

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Genetics
• Hematology

Background:

• Thalassemia major is a severe, common single-gene disorder causing hemolytic anemia, particularly prevalent in Iran.
• Growth failure is a significant complication if thalassemia major is not managed effectively.
• This study addresses the need for thorough investigation of growth parameters in affected children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the physical growth parameters of children with thalassemia major against a control group of healthy children.
• To identify and quantify growth deficits in thalassemic pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted on 121 pediatric patients with thalassemia major receiving blood transfusion.
• Physical growth parameters including height, weight, sitting height, and arm circumference were assessed.
• Data were compared with age, sex, and socioeconomic status-matched healthy children.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher rates of children with thalassemia major were below the 5th percentile for weight (53.7% vs. 17.1%), height (66.9% vs. 17.1%), and mid-arm circumference (72.7% vs. 32.5%) compared to controls.
• Statistical analysis confirmed these differences (p < 0.0001 for weight).

Conclusions:

• Thalassemia major is associated with substantial growth retardation in affected children.
• Recommendations include regular follow-up appointments with precise intervals for blood transfusions and desferrioxamine (desferal) administration.
• Effective management is essential to mitigate growth failure complications.