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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Body mass index and other anthropometric variables in children with sickle cell anaemia
Odutola Israel Odetunde1, Josephat Maduabuchi Chinawa2, Kingsley Ihedioha Achigbu3
1Dr. Odutola Israel Odetunde, Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, PMB 01129, Ituku - Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Insights
Children with sickle cell anemia have significantly lower anthropometric measurements, including BMI, compared to those with normal hemoglobin genotypes. This highlights potential nutritional challenges in pediatric sickle cell disease management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Nutritional Science
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) is a genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells.
- Growth and nutritional status are critical concerns in children with chronic diseases like sickle cell anemia.
- Understanding anthropometric differences can inform clinical management and support interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare anthropometric variables in children with sickle cell anemia versus those with normal hemoglobin genotypes.
- To assess nutritional status using anthropometric indicators in pediatric sickle cell anemia patients.
- To establish baseline anthropometric data for children with sickle cell anemia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving anthropometric measurements over six months.
- Recruitment of children aged 6-20 years with sickle cell anemia in steady state and age-matched controls.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS v.20 to compare anthropometric data between groups.
Main Results:
- Children with sickle cell anemia showed a significantly higher prevalence of being underweight (48%) compared to controls (13%).
- Patients with sickle cell anemia had significantly lower weight and body surface area than the control group (P<0.05).
- Statistical significance was confirmed for underweight prevalence (χ(2)=18.02, p=0.000 for HbSS; χ(2)=10.286, p=0.001 for controls).
Conclusions:
- Children with sickle cell anemia exhibit lower BMI and other anthropometric variables compared to children with normal hemoglobin genotypes.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring anthropometric status in pediatric sickle cell anemia.
- Anthropometric assessment is crucial for identifying nutritional deficits in children with sickle cell anemia.
Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to determine the anthropometric variables of children with sickle cell anaemia and comparing it with those with normal haemoglobin genotype.
Methods:
A cross sectional study of anthropometric measurements was conducted over a period of six months. Children with sickle cell anaemia in steady state aged between 6-20 years were recruited. Nutritional assessment was done using anthropometrical variables. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS), version 20.
Results:
The sickle cell patients comprised of 20 males and 20 females. There were an equal number of controls with an equal male to female ratio of 1:1. Forty eight percent (19) of the children with sickle cell anemia were underweight (< 5th %ile) and this is statistically significant. χ(2)=18.02 and p=0.000. When compared with subjects with normal haemoglobin genotype only five of them (13%) were underweight. χ(2)=10.286 and p=0.001. The controls weighed significantly more than the HbSS patients and also had significantly larger body surface compared to the HbSS population (P<0.05).
Conclusion:
BMI and other anthropometric variables among children with sickle cell anemia were low when compared with children with normal Haemoglobin genotype.
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