Asia Pacific Journal of Pediatric and Child Health

Abstract Ref Number = APCP1171

Poster Presentation

STUNTING AMONG TRANSFUSION-DEPENDENT THALASSEMIA CHILDREN IN DORIS SYLVANUS PUBLIC HOSPITAL, PALANGKA RAYA, INDONESIA

Mutiara Dara Ratih,Ni Made Yuliari,Prabandari Kusumaningtyas,Chrisna Agustyani Haryanto,Helena Jelita,Donna Novina Kahanjak General Practitioner of Kalawa Atei Psychiatric Hospital Bukit Rawi Indonesia Pediatric Department, Doris Sylvanus Public Hospital, Palangkaraya, Indonesia General Practitioner, Merambang Community Health Center, Lamandau, Indonesia Oral and Dental Department, Medicine Faculty of Palangkaraya University, Indonesia Physiology Department, Medicine Faculty of Palangkaraya University, Indonesia

Background : Growth retardation is common in thalassemia children depending on blood transfusion. Multiple factors were contributed to stunted growth. This study was aimed to determine effect of age, sex, timing of diagnosis, Hb level, iron chelation theraphy, residence, maternal and paternal education and family income on growth pattern of transfusion dependent thalassemia children. Material : This cross sectional study was conducted on 41 thalassemia patients, aged 3-16 years, receiving regular blood transfusions at Doris Sylvanus Public Hospital in March to May 2018. Hb level and height were obtained from medical records and other data were obtained from interview. Growth was evaluated based on height for age (H/A) and scores for height were plotted in World Health Organization child growth standards. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 16.0. Results : Forty one subjects were enrolled to this study, 48.78% boys and 51.12% girls. Mean age was 8.39±3.24 years, mean height was 117±16.55 cm, and mean Hb level was 6.52±0.99 g/dL. A total of 43.9% subjects were stunting (H/A less than - 2 SD). More than 70% of patients aged > 9 years and 70.59% patients having mother with low education were stunted growth. There were statistically different between H/A and age of patients and maternal education (both P=0.011). No significant correlation was found between growth pattern and other variables of the patients (P>0.05). Conclusions : Thalassemia children were at high risk for stunting and this abnormality more apparent in aged 10 years and up; and in low-maternal education. To decrease these suffering and complication of thalassemia in children, monitoring and supporting them carefully are needed. Further studies using larger samples are suggested to assess this burden disease.

Keywords: Thalassemia Stunting Children