FREQUENCY OF SHORT STATURE IN - THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of short stature in children with thalassemia major receiving multiple transfusions at Military Hospital Rawalpindi.
Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at Military Hospital from 1st January 2010 to 30th June 2010.
Subjects and Methods: Total 100 multi-transfused cases of -thalassemia major were included in the study. The height of every child was measured in centimeters using the same free-standing standard stadiometer, and the same technique by a single pediatrician.
Results: Out of 100 patients of -thalassemia major 57.0% (n=57) were male while 43% (n=43) were female. Mean age was 9.94 years (SD ± 2.93) with range of 6 to 14 years. Mean height was 115.77 cm (SD ± 13.79) with range of 72.00 to 148.00 cm. 57.0% (n=57) were found to be short statured while 43.0% (n=43) were with normal height. Mean age of short statured patients was 11.61 ± 2.34 years and mean age of patients with normal height was 7.73 ± 2.05 years.
Conclusion: The frequency of short stature in our patients with -thalassemia major receiving multiple transfusions is high. There is need to monitor the height of thalassemic children regularly and to improve the quality of care being provided to them so as to improve their quality of life.