Question

Explain the workup and management for a 13-year-old female with growth failure over the last 3 years accompanied by pubertal-onset delay. What are your most likely differential diagnoses? How would your answer change if the child were an 8-year-old with growth failure?

Answer 1

Growth failure is otherwise known as failure to thrive. it is defined as the rate of growth below that appropriate for child's age and sex.

There are many different causes of growth failure

HORMONES

There are some hormones like Growth hormones and Thyroid hormones are playing a very important role in the growth and development of the child. Growth hormone stimulates metabolism, build muscles and promote growth into height. Thyroid hormones also regulate metabolism and control other body functions.

GENES

there are some genetic abnormalities that can stop or delay the growth and development of the child, that include Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Silver-Russell syndrome etc.

NUTRITION

Diet plays important role in growth and development, A balanced diet with sufficient calories is important for growth.

Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency are one of the greatest causes of failure in growth and development.

MANAGEMENT

Treatment of growth failure depends on its origin, early diagnosis is prevented from any complication. It includes hormonal treatment like hormonal replacement, dietary modification, and nutritional support.