Growth
MEASUREMENT OF CHILDHOOD GROWTH
ASSESSMENT
MEASUREMENT OF CHILDHOOD GROWTH
ASSESSMENT
Successive measurements are recorded and can be plotted on growth chart to give a growth curve.
The reference standards marked on a growth chart are derived from (a) cross sectional data of a population of children or (b) longitudinal data obtained from specific individuals. UK cross-sectional reference charts are commonly used. (Refer to Library section for link to Clinical Growth Charts by the National Centre for Health Statistics - USA. Note that there is little difference between statistics for the USA & for the UK.)
The measurement is expressed in terms of centiles; e.g., if a child is on ...
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ASSESSMENT
Successive measurements are recorded and can be plotted on growth chart to give a growth curve.
The reference standards marked on a growth chart are derived from (a) cross sectional data of a population of children or (b) longitudinal data obtained from specific individuals. UK cross-sectional reference charts are commonly used. (Refer to Library section for link to Clinical Growth Charts by the National Centre for Health Statistics - USA. Note that there is little difference between statistics for the USA & for the UK.)
The measurement is expressed in terms of centiles; e.g., if a child is on the 3rd centile for height then 3% of British children are shorter, 97% taller.
Definition: The rate of growth fails to meet the potential expected for a child of that age.
Usually identified on growth charts using centiles. A child with failure to thrive will tend to have less weight gain than expected (so fall to a lower centile). If this continues the linear growth (length/height) will also become slower than expected.
FAILURE TO THRIVE CLASSIFICATION
HISTORY OF PRESENTING SYMPTOMS
Organic disease often has characteristic history and findings on clinical examination relevant to the disease e.g., mal-digestion, vomiting. Non-organic often presents as persistent feeding difficulty, poor appetite, fussy eater.
TREATMENT
Specialist team will treat the underlying disease or disorder. This could include GP, nutritionalist, paediatrician, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, psychologist or a social worker.
Problems in home environment are addressed and support is given to child's 'care-giver'. Child may need to hospitalised if malnutrition is severe.