Study of Growth Parameters and Effect of Serum Ferritin and Hemoglobin Levels on Physical Growth in Thalassemic Children: A Study of 100 Cases

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<3 rd percentile) was observed in 26% and underweight (Weight for Age<3 rd 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.