Short stature in homozygous β-thalassaemia is due to disproportionate truncal shortening

Abstract

Background and objective: Growth failure in homozygous β-thalassaemia has been recognized for many years, and has persisted despite major treatment advances. In this cross-sectional study, sitting and standing height were measured to determine whether growth failure was disproportionate. Design: Patient data were analysed in three age groups, 2-10 years, 11-18 years and 19 and over. Sitting height and subischial leg length were also determined in a cohort of parents (n = 19) and normal Greek adolescents (n = 32). Patients and measurements: Of the known 156 patients with homozygous P-thalassaemia in the State of Victoria, 154 (98.7%) attend our institution. Sitting and standing heights were m..