Comparative Evaluation of Craniofacial Anthropometry of Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: β-thalassemia major is associated with characteristic craniofacial deformities resulting from marrow hyperplasia. Quantitative data on these changes remain limited, particularly in Indian populations. This hospital-based cross-sectional study compared craniofacial anthropometric measurements between β-thalassemia major patients and matched healthy controls. Methods: A total of 150 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major patients and 150 healthy matched controls underwent assessment of 15 soft-tissue craniofacial anthropometric measurements. Anthropometric data were analyzed, and correlations with serum ferritin were explored. Results: The mean age at diagnosis among thalassemia patients was 9.75 ± 11.31 months; average lifetime transfusions numbered 222 ± 129. Thalassemia patients demonstrated significantly reduced facial width, total facial height, mandibular depth, nasal dimensions, mouth width, and lower third facial height, alongside increased maxillary depth and upper facial morphological height (all p < 0.0001). Eye length was greater, while auricular dimensions were smaller in patients. No significant correlations were found between serum ferritin levels and height or weight. Conclusion: β-thalassemia major patients exhibit a consistent anthropometric profile of midfacial prominence, mandibular retrusion, vertical facial deficiency, nasal hypoplasia, and reduced oral/auricular dimensions. These changes reflect the pathophysiologic impact of marrow expansion and align with cephalometric literature. Early multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to address functional, aesthetic, and orthodontic implications in this population. Key words: Beta thalassemia major, anthropometry, craniofacial measurements, India