Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part D (2024)

Aim: Endocrinopathies are common in patients with thalassemia major (TM) and affect their quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of growth retardation and endocrine complications in these patients.
Materials and Methods: 226 patients aged 3-18 years with Thalassemia Major were evaluated for height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and pubertal stage. Blood tests for endocrine function, and tanner staging for pubertal development were done.
Results: 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 <0.0001 using Chi Square test with CI: 55.14%-72.95%). 
Conclusion: Endocrine disorders are very common among multi-transfused beta thalassemia major patients which unfortunately are not detected on time in resource limited countries like India. Ferritin concentrations are not a reliable and sensitive predictor of these complications. In the current study, there was significant growth delay present in the patients suffering from Beta thalassemia. Growth delay not only causes a physical constraint on a children but also effects their psychological wellbeing. Early detection of growth and endocrine abnormalities not only will improve the overall health of the patients but will also reduce the economic burden of chronic illness on the family.