title: Evaluation of growth parameters in patients with thalassemia major.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thalassemia major is a severe hemolytic anemia and the most common single gene abnormality. It is very common in Iran, and needs thorough investigation. If not treated properly, growth failure is one of the most important complications of this disease. This study was designed to evaluate the growth parameters in thalassemic children and compare the obtained data with normal children.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was carried out on 121 thalassemic patients who received blood transfusion therapy in Yasuj, with respect to the physical growth parameters such as height, weight, sitting height and arm circumference. Collected data were compared with data obtained from normal children (chosen from the same sex, age and socioeconomic groups).
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to statistical analysis, the weight of 53.7% of thalassemic and 17.1% of non-thalassemic patients, with the same age group, was under the 5th percentile (p < 0.0001). Height and mid-arm circumference were 66.9 vs. 17.1% and 72.7 vs. 32.5% respectively, under the 5th percentile.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Considering the growth retardation of thalassemic patients, we recommend regular follow-ups with precise intervals for blood transfusion and desferal injection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Hessamedin
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Nabavizadeh
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anushiravani
authors.forename: Saideh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haghbin
mesh_terms: D001827:Body Height; D049628:Body Size; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006128:Growth; D006801:Humans; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*