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Thyroid functions in mild and severe forms of sickle cell anemia
N Evliyaoğlu1, Y Kilinç, O Sargin
1Department of Pediatric Hematology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Balcali, Adana, Turkey.
Acta Paediatrica Japonica : Overseas Edition
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Children with severe sickle cell anemia may experience short stature, but their thyroid hormone levels remain normal in early childhood. This study compared growth and thyroid function in 24 children with sickle cell anemia against 14 healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hematology
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder impacting red blood cells.
- Growth abnormalities and endocrine dysfunction are potential complications in children with SCA.
- Thyroid function is crucial for growth and development, making its assessment important in SCA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate growth parameters (weight, height, bone age) in children with homozygote sickle cell anemia.
- To assess the relationship between these growth indices and thyroid function.
- To compare growth and thyroid function in SCA patients with healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, bone age) were taken for 24 children with homozygote SCA.
- Patients were categorized into mild (n=12) and severe (n=12) clinical course groups.
- Serum T3 and T4 levels were measured and compared between SCA patients and 14 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in weight were observed between SCA groups and controls.
- A statistically significant difference in mean height percentiles was found between the severe SCA group and controls.
- Bone age was delayed by 41.6% in all SCA patients compared to age-matched controls.
- Serum T3 and T4 levels did not significantly differ between SCA patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Severe sickle cell anemia can be associated with short stature in children.
- Thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) appear to be within normal limits during the first decade of life for children with SCA, irrespective of clinical severity.
- Growth assessment, particularly height, is important in managing children with sickle cell anemia.