Study of Growth Profiles of Beta Thalassemia Major Children in a Tertiary Hospital.

Abstract

Background: Beta Thalassemia, the most commonest form of thalassemia and it is associated with growth retardation, delayed development of secondary sexual characters and abnormal physical features. The present study evaluated the growth parameters in 20 diagnosed beta thalassemia major and compared with 20 non Thalassemia children in respect to their anthropometry parameters.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the growth parameters and the anthropometry in beta thalassemia major children and compare it with controls. It was also done to study the effect of thalassemia major on growth in relation to number of blood transfusions and hemoglobin levels.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was done in SRM HOSPITAL, katankulathur, Tamilnadu and KIMS, Maharashtra for a duration of 2 years involving 20 beta thalassemia major children as subjects and 20 non thalassemia children were taken as controls. The physical growth was assessed In terms of weight, height, head circumference, mid arm and chest circumference and they were compared with mean 50^th percentile value of ICMR and NCHS. Height and weight was also compared with the number of transfusions.

Results: The majority of children were in age group of 6 months to 2 years, they were retarded for height and weight in age group of above 6 years. With increase in number of transfusions, there was increase in growth retardation for height and weight. Retardation of various parameters at an early age is more likely to be secondary to chronic hypoxia following inadequate blood transfusion therapy.

Conclusion: In beta thalassemia, as the growth retardation is a constant feature as the age advances and total number of transfusions increases. Growth retardation becomes evident and significant above the age of 6 years onwards. The height and weight were retarded but the head circumference, chest circumference and mid arm circumference were not significantly affected.