UK-WHO Centile Assessment for a 5 Years 11 Months Old Girl
Based on the provided measurements of weight 19.25 kg and height 114.5 cm for a 5 years 11 months old girl, this child is below the 2nd percentile for both weight and height according to UK-WHO growth standards, indicating potential growth concerns that require further evaluation.
Growth Chart Interpretation
- For children aged 24-59 months (2-5 years), the CDC growth charts are recommended, while WHO growth standards are used for children under 24 months 1, 2
- Since this child is nearly 6 years old, her measurements should be plotted on the appropriate CDC growth chart which extends up to age 19 years 1
- When using growth charts, values of 2 standard deviations below the median (2.3rd percentile, labeled as 2nd percentile on growth charts) are recommended for identifying children whose growth might indicate adverse health conditions 1
Clinical Implications
- Children with weight and height below the 2nd percentile should be evaluated for potential underlying causes, as this may indicate chronic malnutrition, underlying medical conditions, or genetic factors influencing growth potential 3
- Low weight-for-age and height-for-age may be due to inadequate caloric intake, chronic disease, or malabsorption, and requires comprehensive medical evaluation 3
- Growth velocity, rather than a single measurement, is often more informative and should be assessed through serial measurements to track response to interventions 3
Recommended Evaluation
- Children with growth faltering should be referred for pediatric evaluation to investigate potential causes 3
- Nutritional intake and dietary patterns should be assessed to identify potential deficiencies 3
- Screening for chronic conditions that may affect growth, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, should be considered 3
- Family growth patterns should be evaluated to assess genetic contribution to the child's stature 3
- Consider screening for endocrine disorders that may affect growth 3
Monitoring Recommendations
- Regular monitoring of growth parameters is essential to track growth velocity and response to interventions 3
- More frequent evaluations are recommended for children with measurements below the 2nd percentile 3
- Growth trajectory is a more valuable indicator than a single measurement point 4, 5
Important Considerations
- Growth charts are intended to reflect optimal growth of children, and many children may not experience the optimal environmental, behavioral, or health conditions specified in the reference studies 1
- Early identification of growth concerns allows for timely intervention to address potential underlying issues 5
- Parental perception of child weight status can be distorted, with parents often perceiving their children as lighter than they actually are, which may delay seeking appropriate medical attention 6