Spanish growth studies 2008. New anthropometric standards

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Human Growth and Development
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Recent cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in Spain have evaluated neonatal anthropometry and childhood growth.
• Previous Spanish growth data from 1987-1992 and 1978-1982 provide a basis for comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess neonatal anthropometry and postnatal growth trends in Spanish children and adolescents.
• To establish pubertal growth and maturity standards based on distinct maturation groups.
• To compare Spanish growth data with international populations.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated birth weight and vertex-heel length in 9,362 newborns (1999-2002).
• Assessed height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in 32,064 individuals aged 0-24 years (2000-2004).
• Analyzed longitudinal data from 458 individuals (born 1978-1982) for pubertal development, skinfolds, bone mass, and intellectual development.

Main Results:

• Observed increases in newborn anthropometry and a significant secular trend in height and BMI compared to previous decades.
• BMI increases outpaced height increases above the 50th percentile.
• Established pubertal growth standards and found adult height comparable to European/American averages but lower than some Northern European populations.
• Spanish males exhibited higher BMI than other European populations, while females' BMI was similar to European averages.

Conclusions:

• Spanish children and adolescents show increasing growth parameters and BMI, indicating a significant secular trend.
• Established normative data for pubertal development and adult anthropometry in the Spanish population.
• Findings highlight population-specific growth patterns and comparisons with international data are crucial for accurate assessment.