A patient with sickle cell anemia may have a short stature for several reasons. Height of pediatric patients should be monitored to allow for early detection of reduced growth.
Patient selection: sickle cell anemia or sickle-thalassemia
Risk factors for growth retardation in a patient with sickle cell disease:
(1) growth hormone deficiency, which may be related to a partial or complete empty sella
(2) resistance to growth hormone
(3) deficiency in insulin growth factor I (IGF-I)
(4) malnutrition (especially in developing countries)
In addition, bone may show deficits in mineral content and area.
Associated findings may include:
(1) low weight for age
(2) delays in sexual maturation
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