Growth

Growth Assessment

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Growth Assessment, Growth Parameters

  • See Also
  1. Growth Physiology
  2. Height Measurement in Children
  3. Short Stature
  4. Tall Stature
  5. Failure to Thrive
  6. Pediatric Obesity
  • Technique
  1. Infants and toddlers under age 2 years old
    1. Plot weight, length and Head Circumference
    2. Growth is initially impacted by Intrauterine environment and catch up growth (6 to 18 months)
    3. By age 2 years, children reach their genetically programmed growth percentile (based on mid-parental height)
    4. WHO growth charts are preferred over CDC for this age group (see below)
  2. Ages 2 to 20 years old
    1. Plot weight, height and Body Mass Index
    2. CDC growth charts are preferred in U.S. for age >= 2 years
  • Evaluation
  • Linear Growth
  1. Measurements
    1. Height Measurement in Children
    2. Calculation of Growth Delay
    3. Linear Growth Velocity (requires at least 2 points, at least 3-6 months apart)
    4. Arm Span
    5. Sitting Height
    6. Upper to Lower Segment Ratio
  2. Abnormalities
    1. Short Stature
    2. Tall Stature
  • Evaluation
  • Weight
  1. Measurements
    1. Weight Measurement in Children
    2. Weight for Height Age
    3. Weight for Length
    4. Body Mass Index
    5. Resting Energy Expenditure
  2. Abnormalities
    1. Failure to Thrive
    2. Obesity in Children
  • Resources
  1. CDC Growth Charts
    1. https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/
  2. WHO Growth Charts
    1. https://www.who.int/tools/child-growth-standards
    2. Based on exclusively Breast fed, multinational large sample (less likely )
  • References
  1. Caro (2025) Am Fam Physician 111(6): 532-42 [PubMed]