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Nutritional factors and thalassaemia major
G J Fuchs1, P Tienboon, S Linpisarn
1Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Undernutrition significantly impacts growth in children with thalassaemia major. Nutritional intervention improved weight for height and key nutrient levels, suggesting inadequate intake is a primary cause of growth issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Abnormal growth is prevalent in children with thalassaemia major.
- The role of nutritional deficiencies in this growth impairment requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nutritional causes of abnormal growth in children with thalassaemia major.
- To assess the impact of an intensive nutrition regimen on growth and nutritional status.
Main Methods:
- Studied 12 children (1-3 years) with thalassaemia major under metabolic ward conditions.
- Assessed nutritional status via anthropometry and biochemistry before and after nutritional intervention.
- Monitored weight for height, height increase, plasma zinc, alpha tocopherol, copper, insulin-like growth factor-I, and fat absorption.
Main Results:
- Five children presented with wasting or stunting.
- Significant improvement in mean weight for height and plasma zinc levels post-intervention.
- Increased alpha tocopherol and insulin-like growth factor-I; decreased copper.
- Normal fat absorption observed in all participants.
Conclusions:
- Undernutrition, primarily due to inadequate nutrient intake, is a significant contributor to growth disturbances in thalassaemia major.
- Nutritional support is crucial for preventing deficiencies and promoting growth in these children.
- Further long-term studies are needed to confirm if nutritional support can prevent stunting.
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