Publication:

A study of anthropometric parameters in children with beta thalassemia major

Background Growth failure is a common and persistent complication in children with beta thalassemia major despite advances in regular blood transfusion, bone marrow transplantation and supportive care, which have improved survival.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 children with beta thalassemia major attending the pediatric outpatient department or admitted to a tertiary care center in Surat. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and correlated with serum ferritin levels.

Results The majority of children were aged 6–10 years (47%), followed by 1–5 years (39%), while 1% were below 1 year. Boys constituted 60% of the study population. Among children with hemoglobin 2000 μg/l, while 69.23% of those with Hb ≥8 g/dl also had ferritin >2000 μg/L. The mean weight, height and BMI were 17.9 kg, 109 cm and 15.02 kg/m², respectively. Nearly one-third of children had weight below the 3rd centile and about one-fifth were between the 3rd and 10th centiles.

Conclusions Growth impairment remains highly prevalent among children with beta thalassemia major, with significant stunting and underweight. Most children were aged 6–10 years and predominantly male. Nearly half were stunted. While weight centiles showed no significant association with serum ferritin levels, height and BMI centiles demonstrated significant correlation, indicating a greater impact of iron overload on linear growth.