Comparing Cognitive Function in β-thalassemia major Children and Healthy Counterparts

Background and Objective: β-Thalassemia major is a chronic genetic disease which is determined with symptoms and signs of a chronic severe anemia. Children with β-Thalassemia major have several risk factors for cognitive problems. The purpose of this study was to compare the cognitive function in β-thalassemia major children and healthy counterparts. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in ۱۳۹۱, using convenient sampling method in Zahedan and Shiraz cities. After matching children in terms of age, gender and city of residence, ۴۰ children with β-thalassemia major and ۴۰ matched healthy ۶-۱۲ year old children were compared using the independent t-test and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revision (WISC-R) in terms of verbal understanding, organizing perceptual and freedom from distraction. Data were expressed in descriptive ways and independent t-test was used to analyze data using spss ۱۸ software. Results: Children with β-Thalassemia major gained low scores in the areas of verbal understanding (P=۰.۰۱) and freedom from distraction (P=۰.۰۱) significantly in comparison to healthy counterparts, but no significant difference was observed in the area of organizing perceptual index (P=۰.۲۹) not difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Children with β-Thalassemia major do not necessarily face cognitive decline and are slightly lower than their healthy counterparts and require more attention in the field of education, to improve the quality of their knowledge.