Growth Centile Assessment for 8-Year-Old Girl
This 8-year-old girl with weight 34.95 kg and height 131.1 cm falls approximately at the 75th-85th centile for weight and 50th-75th centile for height according to UK-WHO growth standards, indicating normal growth parameters that require no intervention.1
Calculation Method
To determine exact centiles, calculate the standard deviation score (SDS or z-score) using the WHO LMS method:1
- SDS = [(observed measure - M) / L]^(1)
- For an 8.5-year-old girl with height 131.1 cm, look up L, M, and S values from WHO Growth Standards LMS tables (available at 1" class="font-inter font-medium text-primary-blue hover:text-primary-blue/80 transition-colors duration-150">www.who.int/childgrowth/standards)1
- Online calculators are available at www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/major/nhanes/growthcharts/datafiles.htm for precise centile determination1
Growth Chart Context
The UK adopted WHO growth standards in 2009 for children under 4 years, with CDC growth charts recommended for older children.2, 3 Since this child is 8 years old, her measurements should be plotted on CDC growth charts which extend to age 19 years.2 However, WHO standards remain valid reference points for international comparison.4
Clinical Interpretation
- Both weight and height measurements fall well above the 2nd centile threshold (2 standard deviations below median), which is the cutoff for identifying children whose growth might indicate adverse health conditions.2
- Values between the 3rd and 97th centiles are considered normal growth.2
- This child's BMI (34.95 kg ÷ 1.311² m = 20.3 kg/m²) falls within normal range for age.1
Key Clinical Considerations
Serial measurements every 3-6 months are more valuable than single measurements for assessing growth velocity and trajectory.2 Growth patterns over time, combined with medical and family history, provide the most accurate assessment of appropriate growth.2
Parental heights should be considered when interpreting growth charts, as genetic target height influences expected growth patterns.2, 5 The mid-parental height calculation helps determine if the child is growing appropriately relative to genetic potential.5
When to Refer
Referral for pediatric evaluation is indicated when:2
- Weight or height falls below the 2nd centile2
- Growth velocity is abnormal (crossing two major centile lines)2
- Significant deviation from predicted target height based on parental heights5
- Concerns for underlying genetic conditions, endocrine disorders, or chronic disease2
This child's measurements do not meet any criteria requiring further evaluation or intervention.2