Growth patterns of first-generation Southeast Asian infants

The growth patterns of Southeast Asian infants appear to differ from those of the National Center for Health Statistics standards for US children. This study examines the length, weight, and head circumference curves of 175 healthy, full-term, US-born Laotian and Cambodian infants seen periodically at a pediatric clinic from birth to 18 months of age. The median length, weight, and head circumference values of these infants were significantly lower than those of the National Center for Health Statistics standards for infants older than 6 months. These differences were more striking in girls than boys. A decision to observe rather than to pursue a diagnostic work-up in an otherwise healthy Southeast Asian infant who exhibits a slow growth pattern may be the most appropriate management style.