Risk Factors Affecting Growth in Thalassemic Children at AUCH

Thalassemia major is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and severe anemia, necessitating lifelong blood transfusions(1,2). Regular transfusions lead to iron overload, a primary driver of growth retardation in affected children. Iron accumulation in tissues like the pituitary and liver disrupts growth hormone secretion and insulin-like growth factor-1 production.