Serum IGF-1 and short stature in adolescents with beta-thalassemia major

Abstract

Background The  prevalence  of  short  stature  in  thalassemia  patients ranges from 39.3 to 65%.  The  cause  of short stature is complex  and  still up for debate.  In  Indonesia, data on the  prevalence  and risk  factors  of  short  stature  in  adolescents  with  thalassemia  have been limited. Objective To assess for the prevalence and risk factors of short stature in adolescents with beta-thalassemia major. Methods This cross-sectional study was done from February to March 2017 at the Thalassemia Clinic at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung. The baseline characteristics data of 80 adolescents with thalassemia aged 10-14 years were recorded. Short stature was assessed by height-for-age, (Z-score <0.001) and low family income (PR 19.76; 95%CI: 1.152 to 256.08; P=0.022). Conclusion IGF-1 level may be useful as a predictor of short stature in adolescent beta-thalassemia major patients.