Malnutrition and growth abnormalities among Egyptian children with beta-thalassemia major

ABSTRACT

Abnormal growth is a common feature among patients suffering from beta-thalassemia major. To study the relation between growth abnormalities and nutrient deficiencies, the nutritional status of 63 thalassemic children [2-18 years] were assessed by anthropometry and biochemistry, compared to 63 age and sex matched controls. The results revealed that the mean body mass index was significantly lower among thalassemic children compared to the control, P< 0.05. Nearly one fifth of all thalassemic children were underweight, and one third were stunted. Serum levels of alpha-tocopherol, retinol and zinc, selenium, and copper levels were significantly decreased among thalassemic children compared to the control. older age [10-18] and female sex suffered more from deterioration of nutritional status