Height and weight have always been important indicators for measuring children's healthy growth. Therefore, many parents pay special attention to their children's growth, fearing problems such as short stature or delayed puberty. As soon as they notice their children are shorter than their peers or growing more slowly, they become very worried. In view of this, the Paediatric Centre of Excellence in Hong Kong has specifically launched an endocrinology and growth development assessment service to analyse for parents whether their child's growth is problematic.
Child growth and development assessment involves using professional methods to evaluate a baby's growth and development level, rate, and the relationship between various growth and development indicators at different ages, to understand their growth and development status and trends. It is used for the diagnosis of childhood growth and development disorders, assessment of nutritional status, and the provision of health advice and recommendations.
Common causes of stunted growth in children include:
Maternal nutrition, endocrine function, and diseases are closely related to embryonic and fetal growth and development;
2. Whether daily diet and nutritional intake are appropriate;
A good home environment is a guarantee of normal growth and development, and long-term emotional suppression can lead to growth and development disorders.
4. Abnormal growth and development may also occur if cells cannot be regulated by hormones or growth factors to proliferate and differentiate.
Hong Kong Infant & Children's Medical Centre: Scope of Services:
Childhood dwarfismand growth hormone therapy
Early or late puberty
Gynaecomastia
Thyroid dysfunction (e.g. hyperthyroidism)
Congenital hypothyroidism
To cultivate a healthy physique, in addition to a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and sufficient rest, a child's height is also influenced by genetic factors from their parents and their endocrine system. Children aged 4-10, before puberty, typically grow 4-6cm per year. If parents notice their child is shorter than peers of the same age, or is growing more slowly, it is recommended to consult a paediatrician for an early examination to identify any underlying causes.
