Study of Growth Parameters and Effect of Serum Ferritin and Hemoglobin Levels on Physical Growth in Thalassemic Children: A Study of 100 Cases
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Beta-thalassemia major is a transfusion-dependent hemoglobinopathy associated with iron overload and growth retardation. Despite improvements in transfusion and chelation, growth failure remains a major concern. Objectives: To evaluate growth parameters in transfusion-dependent thalassemic children and to assess the association of pre-transfusion hemoglobin and serum ferritin with growth. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 beta-thalassemic children aged 2-12 years at a tertiary-care hospital inGujarat.Anthropometric parameters (height, weight, BMI), mid-parental height, and laboratory markers (serum ferritin, pre-transfusion hemoglobin) were recorded.Growth was assessed using WHO Z-scores.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0, with p<0.05 considered significant.Results: Stunting (Height for Age<3 rd percentile) was observed in 26% and underweight (Weight for Age<3 rd centile) in 13% of children.Mean hemoglobin was 7.37 ± 1.01 g/dL; mean serum ferritin was 2973.98 ± 1997.29 ng/mL.Height-for-age was significantly associated with both pre-transfusion hemoglobin (p=0.045) and serum ferritin (p=0.017).Weight-for-age was significantly associated with serum ferritin (p=0.014),but not with hemoglobin (p=0.537).Conclusion: Growth retardation in thalassemic children is significantly influenced by both anemia and iron overload.Regular monitoring, optimized transfusion regimens, and effective chelation are essential for improving growth outcomes.
Authors: Shreyanshi Thakkar, Sonal P Shah, Bhadresh Vyas
Institution: M. P. Shah Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414633973
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