1007 - Determinants of Growth and Health in Childhood

Question 1

What are the biological relationships that govern normal growth and development

Answer 1

Growth control is determined by both nature and nurture - the interaction of genes, the environment, nutrition, and internal signalling pathways (hormones and growth factors). All parts of the body do not grow at the same rate, and each has vulnerable periods where a disturbance in growth can lead to mild or major disorders and maldevelopment.

Question 2

How would you assess growth in childhood and adolescence

Answer 2

Compare it to the growth chart - look for whether they’re growing on a curve or up and down which can suggest a pattern.

Question 3

What is the classic profile of malnutrition in terms of what decreases when?

Answer 3

Weight decreases first (wasting), then height (stunting), then head circumference.

Question 4

What does underweight refer to in paediatrics?

Answer 4

Decreased weight for age.

Question 5

How do you calculate mid-parental height? (Key Exam Concept)

Answer 5

For boys - ((maternal height +12.5cm)+paternal height)/2

For girls - ((paternal height-12.5cm)+maternal height)/2

Question 6

What is the significance of mid-parental height? (Key Exam Concept)

Answer 6

Provides an approximated ‘benchmark’ adult height that the child could be expected to reach, everything else being equal.

Question 7

What hormones control each stage of growth (infancy, childhood, puberty)?

Answer 7

Infancy - thyroid and some GH
Childhood - GH and IGF-1
Puberty - Above and sex hormones