normal and abnormal growth

Question 1

how is normal growth in a child defined?

Answer 1

• Their measurements are within the normal range compared with children of their age
• Their rate of growth is within the normal range compared with children of their age

Question 2

what is the average age for girls and boys to enter puberty?

Answer 2

girls age 11, boys 6 months later on average

Question 3

what are the gonadotrophins?

Answer 3

FSH and LH

Question 4

what is the definition of true central precocious puberty?

Answer 4

normal pubertal development occurring abnormally early (<8 for girls, <9 for boys)

Question 5

what is the definition of pubertal delay?

Answer 5

the absence of secondary sexual development in girls aged 13 or boys aged 14

Question 6

what is the difference in peak height velocity (PHV) between boys and girls?

Answer 6

boys at 14
girls at 12
(boys have a greater PHV than girls which is a reason why men are taller on average)

Question 7

what investigations do you do for a growth problem?

Answer 7

• Bloods – gonadotrophins, growth factors, testosterone/oestradiol, thyroid, karyotype, other pathology
• bone age
• dynamic function tests
• MRI brain, USS uterus

Question 8

what are the different classifications of short stature?

Answer 8

Genetic short stature
Constitutional growth delay
Dysmorphic syndromes
Endocrine disorders
Chronic diseases
Psychosocial deprivation