Cephalometric measurements and facial deformities in subjects with β‐thalassaemia major

This study was performed to identify cephalometric and facial features of patients with β‐thalassaemia major. A total of 54 thalassaemic subjects were examined for craniofacial deformities, including 37 patients (24 males and 13 females, aged 5–16 years) who had lateral cephalometric radiographs. The thalassaemic groups were compared with a normal control group matched for sex and dental age, using a t‐test. All thalassaemic patients had a Class II skeletal base relationship. The average ANB angle was significantly larger than the controls in dental stages 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). Mandibular base length (Ar–Gn) was significantly less in thalassaemic patients than in controls, with the greatest differences (P < 0.001) found in the younger age group. The maxilla was of normal length (PNS–ANS, Ptm'–ANS') and appeared prominent (3.3 mm in males and 5.1 mm in females) due to a reduced cranial base length (Ar'–S') and a short mandible (Ar'–P'). Vertically, thalassaemic patients showed a significantly increased maxillary/mandibular planes angle in all groups, with differences ranging between 6.19 and 12.55 degrees (P < 0.001). Thalassaemic patients also showed a reduced posterior facial height (S–Go, Ar–Go) and increased anterior facial proportions. Of the 54 thalassaemic patients examined, 17 per cent had severe facial disfigurements (grade 3).