HOW TO ASSESS NORMAL GROWTH IN A CHILD ?

Many validated growth charts are employed to assess the growth of children which help to give an accurate idea about growth deviation at an early stage. To use these charts, we will measure :

• Length/ height and it’s s variants
• Weight
• Head, chest and mid-arm circumference
• Age dependent and independent indices, etc.

It is importantly to identify and thoroughly evaluate growth problems. Most common reasons are family history and poor nutrition. But it is important to rule out other syndromic causes which are rare. The common growth problems that include :

• Short height
• Abnormal shape of limbs, spine, etc.
• Malnutrition – failure to thrive, underweight, overweight, obesity