Height and weight reference curves for homozygous sickle cell disease

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To derive height and weight growth reference curves for children with homozygous sickle cell disease. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects (n = 315) were participants in a population based, longitudinal cohort study of sickle cell disease in Kingston, Jamaica. Regular measurements of height and weight were made from enrollment into the study at birth up to 22 years of age. RESULTS: Sex specific growth reference curves for height for age and weight for age covering the age range 0-18 years are presented. CONCLUSION: These growth reference curves are suitable for identifying coincidental growth problems in children with homozygous sickle cell disease.