Physical Growth Parameters in Thalassemic Children

Various growth parameters of 233 (140 boys, 93 girls) thalassemic children were compared with 74 (45 boys and 29 girls) non-thalassemic siblings, ICMR and NCHS norms. Weight and height were retarded in thalassemic children. The difference between thalassemic and non-thalassemic siblings, was evident from 9+ years in both boys and girls. Growth parameters seemed to be adversely affected with the advancing age. Among head, chest and mid arm circumferences, the mid arm circumference was more affected than head and chest circumferences. Height and weight were more severely retarded in children with hemoglobin levels of less than 8gm/dl. The findings seemed to suggest that press of retardation was probably secondary to chronic hypoxia and iron overload.