Question
My child’s height is shorter than that of children of the same age, and I want to know how to diagnose growth delay in children.
Answer
Growth delay, also known as dwarfism, is defined as a height that is two standard deviations (-2SD) below the average height of children of the same gender, age, and ethnicity. Additionally, the annual growth rate should be less than 5 centimeters per year. If a child’s annual growth rate is below the following standards, it may indicate a growth slow-down: less than 7 centimeters per year before 3 years old, less than 5 centimeters per year from 3 years to puberty, and less than 6 centimeters per year during puberty. Treatment methods include etiological treatment, nutritional and activity therapy, as well as substitution therapy with hormones based on deficiencies.