The growth and development of children with β-thalassemia major one year after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has proven to be an effective curative intervention for children with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). They are susceptible to growth disorders due various factors. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the growth and development of children with β-TM both before and after undergoing allo-HSCT during a one-year follow-up period.

Methods: According to the international reference standards for child growth established by the World Health Organization in 2006, participants were divided into two groups based on their Z scores: weight-for-age Z scores (WAZ), height-for-age Z scores (HAZ), and body mass index-for-age Z scores (BAZ) before allo-HSCT. The first group included children with normal nutritional levels (-2≤ Z scores ≤2), while the second group consisted of children with malnutrition (Z scores <-2 or >2). Measurements of weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded at six time points: prior to allo-HSCT (T0), and 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), 9 months (T9), and 12 months (T12) following the procedure.

Results: Among the 56 children diagnosed with β-TM, 25% were malnourished prior to HSCT. In the group with normal nutrition, mean WAZ (P=0.04) and HAZ (P<0.001) values were significantly higher at T12 compared to T0; however, mean BAZ was similar at T12 and T0 (P=0.61). In contrast, in the malnutrition group, no significant differences were observed in mean WAZ (P=0.12), HAZ (P=0.27), or BAZ (P=0.75) values between T12 and T0. Notably, the incidence of increased HAZ was significantly more prevalent in children aged seven years or younger than in those older than seven years (P=0.01).

Conclusions: Children diagnosed with β-TM who had normal nutritional levels at the time of allo-HSCT showed significant growth improvements within one year of follow-up compared to their pre-transplantation state. Additionally, the age at which allo-HSCT was performed may substantially influence post-transplantation growth rates. Regular monitoring of growth and development from the time of diagnosis is crucial to ensure optimal nutritional status at the time of allo-HSCT, thereby enhancing the prognosis for these children after transplantation.