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Growth Parameters and Vitamin D status in Children with Thalassemia Major in Upper Egypt
Fahim M Fahim1, Khaled Saad1, Eman A Askar1
1Department of Pediatrics, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt.
Insights
Children with beta thalassemia major exhibit impaired growth and lower vitamin D and calcium levels, highlighting the need for early intervention. These metabolic issues may stem from iron overload and inadequate nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Thalassemia major, a genetic blood disorder, requires regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy.
- Growth and mineral metabolism are frequently affected in children with thalassemia major.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate growth parameters and the status of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in children with thalassemia major.
- To compare these parameters with a healthy control group.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 100 children with beta thalassemia major (4-15 years) and 100 age- and sex-matched controls.
- Measurements included anthropometry, serum calcium, phosphorus, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH Vit D) levels.
Main Results:
- 49% of patients had short stature, 47% were underweight, and 43% had low BMI.
- Significantly lower mean serum calcium (6.6±1.2 mg/dL vs. 10.2±1.06 mg/dL) and 25-OH Vit D (10.4±4.6 mcg/dL vs. 40.2±12.3 mcg/dL) were observed in patients compared to controls (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Children with beta thalassemia major experience growth delays and metabolic disturbances.
- Iron overload and poor nutrition are potential contributing factors to these abnormalities, emphasizing the need for therapeutic interventions.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to assess the growth parameters, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous status in children with thalassemia major receiving packed red cells transfusion with chelation therapy.
Patients And Methods:
In a case control study, 100 patients with beta thalassemia major (aged from 4 to 15 years) were compared with 100 sex- and age-matched children serves as a control group. Anthropometric measurement, Serum level of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D (25 hydroxycholecalciferol) were estimated for all patients & controls.
Results:
49% of our patients had short stature. 47% were underweight. BMI of 43 (43%) patients were low. The mean total serum calcium (6.6±1.2 mg/dl) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH Vit D) (10.4±4.6 mcg/dl) levels were significantly lower in our patients than in controls (10.2±1.06 mg/dl and 40.2±12.3 mcg/dl, respectively); each P< 0.001.
Conclusion:
Children with beta thalassemia major have delayed growth and metabolic abnormalities that signify the importance of therapeutic interventions. The presence of these abnormalities may be due to iron overload and poor nutritional support.
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