Monitoring Growth in Childhood: Practical Clinical Guide.
10.5124/jkma.2009.52.3.211
- Author:
In Kyung SUNG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Korea. sinky@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Child;
Growth;
Growth evaluation;
Growth disorders
- MeSH:
Child;
Child Health;
Growth Charts;
Growth Disorders;
Humans;
Pediatrics;
Physical Examination;
Physicians, Primary Care
- From:Journal of the Korean Medical Association
2009;52(3):211-224
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Growth is a potent indicator of child health. The child who grows well is generally healthy, and poor growth reflects his or her ill health. Identification of poor growth acts as a useful early warning of a possible problem. Monitoring children's growth status with appropriate assessments is an important part of pediatrics, and the recognition of growth problems in children is one of the major challenges facing primary care physicians. The process of growth assessment involves measurements of height and/or weight, and sometimes also involves more specialized measurements that are plotted on standard growth charts. In order to identify pathologic growth, a careful history and physical examination should also be obtained. The purpose of this article is to provide information for primary care physicians to guide the assessment of growth in children. Tools to assist in the assessment of growth are discussed as well as normal growth patterns of children.
