Thalassemia & Growth !? ??

Hello every1,

Does Thalassemia affect Height ? in any possible way ?!!?

What do u say ?

Yes, thalassemia does affect normal growth, but closer to normal growth can occur if hemoglobin levels are always kept high enough and compliance with chelation is maintained. Replacing the vitamins and minerals depleted by thal are also important for normal growth.

When I was younger my Hgb stayed around a 7, any lower and I was transfused. I may have had 5 - 7 transfusions. I was always the smallest in my class too, but in 9th grade i started playing basketball and had a growth spurt. I made it to 6ft by high school graduation and 6ft 2.5inches my first year in college. I am the tallest person in my family. My sister is a Thal minor and she is 5ft 10inches.

I knew something was not right !

- I'll be 20 in 2 months and I'm only 5'7 I haven't grown in about 4.5 - 5 years !!!

Is there anything I can do ? I heard it's possible to grow untill you are 21, if fix things perhaps it'll work !? what can I do ??

Andy :- " if hemoglobin levels are always kept high enough and compliance with chelation is maintained. Replacing the vitamins and minerals " How can I attain this ?!

Bobby :- are you saying blood transfusion helped u attain height ? what thal do you have minor or major ?

Zaltan u think ur short at 5'7! think again!

Im 25 and only 5ft i look half my age, i have cause to be upset! if i was ur height id be jumping thorugh hula hoops! that height is perfectly normal

Im 5'7.5 but was in the shortest category all through school

I only weigh about 130 also

I was always worried I didnt weigh enough
doc says im lean and im mean though!

My father is thal minor and hes 5'10 or so

i think i just got the shortness from my mom

There is a huge difference in the effects of thalassemia between major and minor. Most majors have had some impaired growth, although with current treatment programs, this can be minimized. Thals in the past did not have this advantage. I know many thal majors who are below 5 feet in height. Minor may, in some instances affect growth, but not to the same degree as with major. One must also keep in mind that genetics plays a big role and if you are from a background of short people, you can't expect to be tall. Good nutrition can help with growth but don't expect miracles. Most height is gained by the mid teens. After that, there is little that can alter this.

Zaltan ,
its my dream to attain 5.7 , atleast 5.7 ...  you lucky boy ..

Bobby and Zaltan,
thal  boys with normal i usualy call them "Lucky Thals" .. and you guys are Lucky Thals who got the right height ... anyways, according to some thal friends on this site i still have 1 year to grow height as i'll b 24 years old this January ( 1 year and 7 inches to grow seems impossible :'( ) ....

Umair