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Growth and sexual maturation in children with thalassemia major
M A Yesilipek1, I Bircan, N Oygür
1Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya, Turkey.
Insights
Growth and endocrine issues significantly impact children with thalassemia major in Turkey. Many patients experience growth retardation and delayed puberty, affecting their quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Thalassemia major is a significant health concern in southern Turkey.
- Growth and endocrine disturbances are common complications in patients with thalassemia major.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physical and sexual maturation status of children with thalassemia major.
- To assess the prevalence of growth retardation and pubertal delay in this population.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted on 71 patients with thalassemia major aged over 3 years.
- Physical and sexual maturation were assessed using height, weight, and bone age standard deviation scores (SDS).
Main Results:
- 32.4% of patients were below the third height centile.
- Growth retardation was more severe in patients aged 10 and above.
- Bone age delay was observed in nearly all patients, with 74.5% of those over 12 years not yet in puberty.
Conclusions:
- Growth and endocrine disturbances negatively impact the quality of life for thalassemia major patients.
- Further research is needed to address these challenges effectively.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND METHODS. Growth and endocrine disturbances are still important problems for patients with thalassemia major, which is a major health problem in southern part of Turkey. In the present study 71 thalassemia major patients over 3 years of age were evaluated for physical and sexual maturation status. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION. Twenty-three patients (32.4%) were below the third centile for height. Growth retardation was more pronounced in patients 10 years of age and up according to height and weight standard deviation scores (SDS). Delay in bone age SDS was found in almost all patients, and 74.5% of our patients over 12 years of age had not yet entered puberty. These results show that growth and endocrine disturbances have significant negative effects in the quality of life of thalassemic patients. More detailed studies will help to solve these problems.