Lack of the child in growth
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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About the lag in growth, they say, when the height of the child is less than the 3rd percentile. If both parents are small, it is logical to expect that the child will be low - the constitutional causes of malnutrition in about 80% of children with missing growth. Quite an important reason for the lag in growth is hypopituitarism, clinically manifested at the age of 2 years. In this case, you should pay attention - are there any accompanying signs, for example obesity, and this in the absence of any other reasons that inhibit growth. Corresponding parameters for children over 1 year old.
A deficiency of growth hormone (GH) is established by the abnormal increase in the level of this hormone in the blood [peak hormone concentrations less than 15 mU / l after stimulants such as sleep or hypoglycemia (caused, for example, by glucagon or by intravenous insulin administration)]. It is advisable to perform a screening test to identify children with retarded growth in pre-school age. To prevent the lag in growth was effective, synthetic growth hormone should be assigned to such children as early as possible. Approximate doses: 0,5-0,7 IU / kg per week subcutaneously, in the pubertal period the doses may be somewhat larger.
The daily administration of a hormone seems to be more appropriate than the recommended administration three times a week. These children may have a shortage of other pituitary hormones. Other reasons for the lag in growth: malnutrition, slower fetal growth in the prenatal period, thyroid insufficiency, achondroplasia. (Note: the causes of very high growth can be thyrotoxicosis, premature puberty, Marfan's syndrome, homocystinuride.)
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