Study on various anthropometric parameters in Beta-thalassemia Major Patients in tertiary rural hospital, Loni

Abstract

BMI, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and waist-to-hip ratio were recorded. These parameters were analyzed in relation to clinical variables such as serum ferritin levels, transfusion history, and pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics version 28.0. Results: The study revealed significant growth retardation with 51.4% of patients showing height-for-age z-scores below -2 SD (mean -2.1 ± 1.3). The mean age of the study population was 8.4 ± 2.1 years, with an average transfusion dependency of 6.6 ± 2.3 years. Weight-for-age and BMI z-scores were also compromised (-1.8 ± 1.1 and -1.2 ± 0.9 respectively). Strong negative correlations were observed between serum ferritin levels and growth parameters (r = -0.45 for height-for-age z-score, p < 0.01). Duration of transfusion therapy showed moderate negative correlation with height-for-age z-scores (r = -0.42, p = 0.012) and weight-for-age z-scores (r = -0.38, p = 0.024). Conclusion: This study highlights significant anthropometric deficits in young BTM patients from rural settings, with growth retardation evident even in early childhood. The findings suggest that optimization of chelation therapy and nutritional support, along with strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, are crucial for improving growth outcomes in these patients. Regular monitoring of growth parameters and early intervention strategies are essential for managing growth abnormalities in young thalassemic patients