The infancy-childhood growth spurt.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Human Growth and Development
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Early human linear growth exhibits instability with a notable increase in rate between 6 and 12 months.
• This period signifies the onset of the infancy-childhood growth spurt (IC spurt), aligning with the childhood phase of the infancy-childhood-puberty growth model.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the onset and completion of the infancy-childhood growth spurt (IC spurt).
• To investigate the role of growth hormone (GH) in regulating early growth.
• To examine the impact of a delayed IC spurt on attained height.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of normal human linear growth patterns.
• Correlation of IC spurt onset with the infancy-childhood-puberty growth model.
• Observation of growth patterns in children with growth disorders and GH deficiency.

Main Results:

• The infancy-childhood growth spurt (IC spurt) begins between 6-12 months and concludes around 3 years of age.
• Growth hormone (GH) appears to significantly regulate growth starting at the onset of the IC spurt.
• Delayed IC spurt is prevalent in children with growth disorders (30-50%) and those in deprived environments, leading to reduced attained height.

Conclusions:

• The infancy-childhood growth spurt (IC spurt) is a critical phase in early development, influenced by growth hormone (GH).
• Delayed onset of the IC spurt has detrimental effects on final height, highlighting the importance of timely growth regulation.