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 in Gujarat. 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<3rd percentile) was observed in 26% and underweight (Weight for Age<3rd 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.
Thakkar et al. (Mon,) studied this question.