ASSESSMENT OF VIT D STATUS AND GROWTH PARAMETERS IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Optimal levels of vitamin D in the blood are crucial for bone health. Calcium homeostasis and skeletal mineralization depend on vitamin D. Patients with thalassemia have been reported to have hypoparathyroidism and defective vitamin D synthesis, which negatively affects bone metabolism and healthy growth.

Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was undertaken at the paediatrics department of the Post Graduate Medical College of Lahore from July 28, 2020, to January 27, 2021. There were 136 confirmed instances of thalassemia major, ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years, in both sexes. Patients with appropriate levels of circulating vitamin D are crucial. For calcium homeostasis and bone mineralization, vitamin D is essential. Patients with thalassemia have been reported to have hypoparathyroidism and defective vitamin D synthesis.

Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and growth parameters (short stature and underweight) in thalassemia major patients. CLD and CRF were excluded from the study, which included calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D supplementation. The hospital laboratory performed laboratory assays, including an assay to measure serum 25-OH vitamin D using chemiluminescence. According to the specified criteria, the diagnosis of low height and underweight was made.

Results: The study's participants ranged in age from 6 months to 15 years, with a mean age of 7.68 2.89 years. The male to female ratio was 1.1:1 among the 136 patients, with 72 (52.94 percent) men and 64 (47.06 percent) women. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, low stature, and underweight in thalassemia major patients was seen in this study in 23, 67, and 64 individuals, respectively. 

Conclusion: This study found that thalassemia major patients have a significant percentage of vitamin D insufficiency and growth characteristics (short height and underweight).

Keywords: Vitamin D insufficiency, growth characteristics, and thalassemia.