Topics Discussed: endocrinology; growth; growth disorders; pediatric endocrinology.
Sections: Character of Normal Growth, Measurements, Assessment of Measurements (Use of Growth Charts), Approach to the Evaluation of Growth Impairment, Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), References.
Excerpt:"Growth is a complex process that involves the interaction of
multiple, diverse factors and represents the sum of these influences
on cell replication and programmed cell death (apoptosis) and on
cell differentiation. Growth is ultimately governed by the genome
of a person and its interactions with external factors, such as
nutrition and psychosocial well-being. Linear height growth may
occur as a continuous process or with periodic bursts of growth
and arrest.1-3During 1 year of growth monitoring,
there may be marked seasonal variations of height and weight gain
with several monthly bursts of weight and then height growth.4 Despite
the complexity, healthy children usually grow linearly in a remarkably
predictable manner. Change from a normal growth pattern often is
the first manifestation of a disease, either an endocrine or a nonendocrine
disorder that can involve almost any organ system. Frequent and
accurate assessment of growth therefore is of primary importance
in the care of children...."
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