Growth Failure in Children (cont.)Medical Author:
Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Exams and TestsThe doctor or health-care practitioner will measure the child's weight and height. He or she may also ask about the child's birth weight and birth height. The doctor may use the parents' heights to calculate the child's projected potential adult height. The doctor may also want to know the timing of puberty in the parents. The doctor may take measurements of the limbs and trunk to determine the child's body proportions. The doctor may perform blood tests to check for hormones and to rule out specific syndromes associated with growth failure. The following blood tests may be performed:
An MRI of the head may be indicated in children with growth hormone deficiency to rule out a brain tumor. X-rays may be taken of the left wrist to compare with standard charts. This image can also be used to determine the child's bone age and growth potential. |
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Growth Failure »
Short stature may be the normal expression of genetic potential, in which case the growth rate is normal, or it may be the result of a condition that causes growth failure with a lower-than-normal growth rate.
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