Growth patterns: Pathology vs. Normal variation.

Area of Science:

• Human growth and development
• Pediatric endocrinology
• Anthropometry

Background:

• Child growth follows a universal pattern with variations in amplitude and tempo.
• Medical practice defines normal growth as adherence to a universal pattern, with deviations considered pathological.
• Geographic and historical factors influence growth patterns within and between populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the necessity of local growth charts for accurate growth assessment.
• To demonstrate how local charts accommodate ethnic and historical diversity in human growth.
• To illustrate the importance of local context in defining normality and pathology.

Main Methods:

• Review of universal growth patterns and their variations.
• Analysis of the role of local growth charts in adapting universal patterns.
• Case illustration using Turner syndrome (TS) to demonstrate the relativity of short stature.

Main Results:

• Local growth charts are crucial for adapting universal growth patterns to specific populations.
• Growth charts must reflect ethnic and historical diversity for accurate assessment.
• Short stature, as seen in Turner syndrome, is relative and dependent on local norms.

Conclusions:

• Local growth charts are vital for defining both statistical normality and pathological deviations in growth.
• Accurate health screening requires a concept of health that incorporates local context.
• Body height serves as a social signal, with its value relative to the social group.