The anthropometric analysis of parameters of head and face in adults with beta thalassemia major

The aim of the study was to conduct an anthropometric analysis of the parameters of the head and face in adult patients with beta thalassemia major. The anthropometric parameters of the soft tissues of the head and face were studied in 34 patients with large β-thalassemia: 16 men (mean age 23,3±0,9 years) and 18 women (mean age 21,8±1,5 years). To describe the craniofacial characteristics of the subjects, 38 linear parameters of the head and face were measured by the L. Farkas method. The average values of the parameters were compared with the parameters of a healthy group of people identical in gender, age and ethnic origin. The results of the study revealed that 1/3 of the anthropometric parameters of the soft tissues of the head and face in patients with large β-thalassemia differed from the data of a healthy group of people. In patients with beta thalassemia major, a decrease in the size of the head, nose and lower jaw was revealed. A decrease in the front height of the head, the combined height of the head and face, the length of the head, the width of the head, the width of the base of the skull indicates insufficient growth of the bones of the facial skull in these patients...