A study of common complications of beta thalassemia major in children in a tertiary care hospital of south Rajasthan

Abstract

Aim: Ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolysis culminate in numerous clinical complications in thalassemia patients. Beta-Thalassemia major patients experience manifestations of severe anemia, growth retardation, gonadal failure, splenomegaly, iron overload, and skeletal deformities. The study aimed to access the various complications in children with beta-thalassemia major. Materials and Methods: 226 patients with beta thalassemia major were enrolled in the study after taking parental consent. Blood investigations such as complete blood counts, liver function and renal function tests were done. Investigations for endocrine functions like thyroid and HbA1C were done. Anthropometric measures and sexual maturation using tanner staging were noted. Result: Out of 226 children of beta thalassemia major, males were 51.3% (116) and females were 48.7% (110). There was no significant gender difference in thalessemia patients in our study. The mean BMI was 16.61 kg/m2 with SD 5.34 and 16.26 kg/m2 with SD 2.91 for age group of 5-10 years and 11-18 years respectively. BMI of both the age group was almost similar showing increased incidence of under nutrition as the disease and its complication evolutes. There was significant growth delay present in thalassemia patient (p value