Background Growth retardation is a major consequence of β-thalassemia, both transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). It manifests mainly as short stature and weight reduction. The present study aims to determine the anthropometric measurements of β-thalassemia patients and to analyze their bone age (BA). Patients and methods This was a cross-sectional study on 67 pediatric β-thalassemia patients recruited consecutively from the outpatient clinic. The following anthropometric parameters were measured: weight, height, BMI, and mid-upper arm circumference and their z scores were calculated. BA determination by plain radiograph of the wrist was performed. Results The TDT patients had lower weight-for-age z score, height-for-age z score, and BMI z score compared to the NTDT patients (P = 0.351, 0.192, and 0.193, respectively). Delayed BA was evident in both TDT and NTDT patients, with higher rates in TDT patients. Conclusion Growth retardation and delayed BA are significant morbidities in β-thalassemia patients.
Salama et al. (Sat,) studied this question.