What tests should be done if a child is short in stature?
Disease description:
The child's height is shorter than that of peers by about a head's length. If going to have the child's height checked, what items should be examined?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
For children with short stature, the following aspects can be examined:
1. Height and weight monitoring: Assess the child's height and weight in comparison to standard growth curves for children of the same age and gender.
2. Growth hormone level testing: Blood tests can evaluate whether growth hormone levels are normal and whether growth hormone deficiency exists.
3. Bone age assessment: An X-ray examination of the maturity of bones in areas such as the wrist, elbow, or knee can be performed and compared to the child's chronological age to determine if there is a delay in bone age. This is an important indicator for assessing a child's growth potential.
4. Genetic and chromosomal testing: Screening for possible genetic disorders, especially those related to height development.
5. Nutrition: Examination of the child's eating habits and nutritional intake to determine whether malnutrition or nutritional imbalance exists.
6. Endocrine function tests: Including thyroid function and gonadal function; abnormalities in the endocrine system can also cause delayed growth and development.
