Growing

Question 1

How do we measure growth?

Answer 1

• Weight
• Height/length
• Head circumference

Question 2

What is the significance of growth charts

Answer 2

• A method of describing the growth of a normal population- the reference population
• A way of comparing the growth of an individual with the reference population
• A tool helping to define abnormal growth of an individual

Question 3

How do we construct growth charts

Answer 3

• Define the reference population
• A mathematical construct
• Longitudinal or cross-section
• Centiles

Question 4

What are the 3 phases of growth & their requirements?

Answer 4

1. ) Infancy
   - nutrition
   - insulin
2. )Mid-childhood
   - Growth hormone
   - thyroxine
3. ) Puberty
   - GH
   - sex hormone

Question 5

Define anthropometry

Answer 5

The scientific study of the measurements and proportions of the human body.

Question 6

What is Laron’s syndrome

Answer 6

• May cause short stature

- GH insensitivity

Question 7

What are some signs of coeliac disease

Answer 7

• Tiredness
• Anaemia
• Positive antibodies
• Positive jejunal biopsy
• Response to diet

Question 8

List some first line investigations for abnormal growth

Answer 8

• FBC
• Ferritin
• U&E (kidney function)
• CRP/ESR
• TFT
• Coeliac screen
• IGF-1
• Bone age
• CGH array/karyotype

Question 9

How do we obtain subischial leg length?

Answer 9

-Subtract sitting height from standing height

Question 10

List some second line investigations for abnormal growth

Answer 10

• GH provocation test ( stress people to produce it) +/- additional pituitary function tests
• MRI brain
• Skeletal survey

Question 11

Which conditions has treatment with GH been licensed for ?

Answer 11

• GH deficiency
• Turner’s syndrome
• Prader Willi syndrome
• SHOX deficiency
• Chronic renal failure
• SGA& poor catch up