Abstract

Background:Beta thalassemia major is one of those diseases in which the natural growth of individuals can be disrupted due to complications of the disease. Despite the recent advances ​​in treating these patients, growth retardation in a significant percentage of them is observed. This study was conducted to determine the growth criteria in thalassemia major patients and compare them with NCHS standards.

Methods:This study is a Cross-sectional study. The study population included all patients with thalassemia major (n=37) is in the city of Ardabil. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, a meter and a scale. Data from questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results: Of the 37 patients studied, 19 were male and 18 female. Average age of subjects was 15 .43 ± 5.97 years and 54.05 %. 15 people were under 15 years of age. Average height of patients was 142.43 ± 18.03 centimeter and their mean weight was 38.41 ± 12.32 kg. 64/9 %. 24 people of the patients’ height were below 5% percentile and 54 % (20 people) had weight below 5 % percentile. In total, Weight and height of patients were below NCHS, and with age, this difference was greater.

Conclusions:growth retardation of patients with thalassemia major starts from the first decade of their life and it worsens by age. To prevent growth failure, it is necessary to regularly check the growth rate of the patients, identify the factors involved in growth disorders and take appropriate preventive measures.

Key words:Thalassemia Major- Physical Development - NCHS