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The infancy-childhood growth spurt

J Karlberg1

  • 1Department of Anatomy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica. Supplement
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

The infancy-childhood growth spurt (IC spurt) begins between 6-12 months, marking a key period for growth regulation. A delayed IC spurt negatively impacts final height, especially in children with growth disorders or GH deficiency.

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.

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