Growth Assessment for 13-Year-11-Month-Old Girl
Growth Centile Determination
For this 13-year-11-month-old girl with weight 45 kg and height 159.7 cm, she plots at approximately the 50th-75th centile for height and the 50th-75th centile for weight on UK-WHO growth charts, indicating normal proportional growth. 1, 2
Growth Chart Framework
CDC growth charts are the recommended standard for children aged 2-19 years in the United States and UK, replacing WHO charts after 24 months of age. 1
The UK has adopted WHO growth standards that extend through age 20 years, providing continuity for adolescent monitoring. 2
For adolescents aged 13-14 years, serial measurements plotted over time provide far more clinical value than isolated measurements for assessing growth trajectory. 2, 3
Clinical Interpretation of These Measurements
Height Assessment
At 159.7 cm, this girl falls within the normal range for her age, neither requiring evaluation for short stature (which would be <2.3rd percentile) nor tall stature (which would be >97.7th percentile). 1, 2
Height should be interpreted in context of mid-parental height to determine if this percentile reflects genetic potential. 2, 4
Weight Assessment
At 45 kg with height 159.7 cm, her BMI calculates to 17.6 kg/m², which falls within the normal range for a 13-year-11-month-old girl. 4
The proportional relationship between height and weight centiles indicates healthy, balanced growth without excess adiposity or undernutrition. 4
Recommended Management
Routine Monitoring
Continue routine growth monitoring every 6-12 months to ensure she maintains an appropriate trajectory along her percentile curves. 2, 3
Plot all measurements on CDC growth charts to visualize trends over time, as growth velocity is more informative than isolated measurements. 3, 4
Key Monitoring Parameters
Track weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age at each visit using standardized measurement techniques with calibrated equipment. 3, 4
Assess pubertal development with Tanner staging, as pubertal timing significantly influences growth velocity during adolescence. 4
Monitor for any downward crossing of percentile lines over time, which would indicate growth faltering requiring investigation. 2, 3
When Further Evaluation Is Warranted
Values below the 2.3rd percentile or above the 97.7th percentile warrant evaluation for underlying conditions affecting growth. 1, 2
A drop of 40 percentile points represents clinically significant growth faltering requiring intervention before reaching concerning thresholds. 3
Disproportionate growth patterns (weight centile diverging significantly from height centile) may indicate clinical concerns requiring attention. 2, 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not use WHO growth charts for children over 24 months; CDC charts are the appropriate standard for this age group. 1
Do not rely on single measurements—serial plotting is essential to distinguish normal constitutional growth from pathologic patterns. 3
Ensure accurate measurement technique: standing height (not recumbent length), calibrated equipment, and proper positioning are critical for valid assessment. 3, 4