Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Faculty of Medicine, Head of Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Prof. Dr. Gülay Karagüzel emphasized the importance of checking the growth of all children regularly starting from birth and said, “While growth is monitored, the pace of growth can also be evaluated by calculating the elongation rate.” he said.
Prof. Dr. Karagüzel pointed out the importance of measuring height meticulously and with correct methods in order to accurately evaluate short stature in children.
Karagüzel emphasized the importance of determining the normal height range for the child after measuring the height correctly. He stated that the heights of growing children may vary depending on factors such as age, gender and ethnicity, and that each child’s development should be evaluated according to these factors.
Karagüzel explained that in order to diagnose short children correctly and provide early intervention, growth curves prepared according to the child’s age and gender should be used.
Pointing out that the height of some children who are brought to the doctor on the grounds that they are “short” is found to be normal, there may be delays in showing some children with short stature to a specialist, Karagüzel said, “Therefore, the growth of all children needs to be checked regularly from birth. While growth is monitored, the tempo of growth is calculated by calculating the growth rate.” can also be evaluated.” he said.
“HEALTHY NUTRITION, SLEEPING PATTERN AND EXERCISE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT CORRECTABLE FACTORS”
Pointing out that healthy nutrition, sleep patterns and exercise are the most important correctable factors for proper growth, Karagüzel stated that the importance of stress-related emotional state as well as the genetic potential related to the height of the parents should not be forgotten.
Emphasizing that short stature can be a symptom of chronic diseases, Karagüzel said, “It is important to perform systemic examinations of the child with short stature. The examination evaluates whether there are any signs of another disease. For example, if there is weight loss along with short stature, protein-energy deficiency called malnutrition, which causes chronic diarrhea.” Intestinal malabsorption should be considered.” he said.
Prof. Dr. Gülay Karagüzel noted that, similarly, chronic kidney, liver, metabolic, rheumatological, blood, heart and some genetic diseases, as well as early puberty and hypothyroidism, can cause short stature, but other accompanying findings will also be seen in these children.
Explaining that it is important to have a balanced and natural diet that includes the calorie needs appropriate to the child’s age, Karagüzel stated that refined foods, snacks defined as junk food and one-sided nutrition should be avoided.
Pointing out that growth accelerates under the influence of hormones during adolescence, Karagüzel said, “The absence of a growth spurt specific to puberty causes the final height to be shorter than expected. For this reason, it is necessary to avoid negative life factors that predispose to pubertal disorders.” he said.
Underlining that it is important to first determine the cause of short stature in order to treat it, Karagüzel said, “For example, if the cause is hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone treatment is given; if there is anemia, it is necessary to treat it. If there is growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone treatment is given. However, there are some genetically caused shortnesses that cannot be treated yet.” “There is.” he said.