Evaluation of the level of Growth Hormone Secretion in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Introduction: Thalassemia Major Illness is mainly created as a progressive hemolytic anemia within the next six months of life after birth. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the level of growth hormone secretion in patients with thalassemia major. Methods: The present research is a descriptive-analytic study. 97 patients with major thalassemia were selected. All patients test files were examined. Demographic information of each patient was gathered using a questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were taken from patients and the level of growth hormone was measured. Results: The participants of the study were 95 patients (48 males and 47 females). The youngest patient was a seven-month girl and the oldest one was a 27- year- old girl. The average age of patients was 13.48 years old. All patients were under transfusion. After stimulation with clonidine, 45.26% and 54.74% of patients did not have a significant increase in growth hormone and growth hormone secretion, respectively. Conclusion: The study indicates that there is a significant relationship between Failure to thrive (FTT) and thalassemia patients. And the highest degree of FTT is at the age of over 14 years and poor control of plasma ferritin level plays an important role in delayed puberty. Therefore, in order to prevent FTT, patients are required to be regularly examined in terms of growth rate and the factors involved in FTT should be determined and appropriate preventive measures should be taken.