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Incidence of short stature in children with hydrocephalus
1University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Insights
Children with hydrocephalus often experience growth issues, including short stature and abnormal growth velocities. Early recognition of growth deviations is crucial for timely medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
- Shunted hydrocephalus requires ongoing management and monitoring.
- Growth patterns in children with shunted hydrocephalus are not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess height and growth velocity in non-referred children with shunted hydrocephalus.
- To identify factors associated with growth deviations in this population.
Main Methods:
- Home height measurements were collected from 94 children (aged 1-18 years).
- Measurements were repeated after one year for 54 subjects.
- Heights were compared to population norms, sibling heights, and target heights.
Main Results:
- 40% of children had short stature, with higher incidence in those with concurrent medical issues.
- 41% exhibited slow growth velocity, and 37% showed accelerated growth.
- Premature birth and specific medical conditions (e.g., spina bifida, cerebral palsy) increased the risk of short stature.
Conclusions:
- Children with hydrocephalus face elevated risks for short stature and altered growth velocities.
- Deviations in growth or puberty timing warrant endocrine evaluation.
Objective:
To characterize heights and growth velocities of non-referred children with shunted hydrocephalus.
Methods:
Accurate home height measurements of 94 subjects (age 1-18 yr); repeated in 54 after one year. Heights were compared with those of general population, and with sibling and target height.
Results:
31% were below population 5th percentile, 34% were short for target height, and 25% were short for siblings. Slow growth velocity was present in 41%. Short stature (SS) was present in 40% with concurrent medical problems, and in 24% with no such problems. Medical problems with increased risk of SS included spina bifida or meningomyelocele, Dandy Walker syndrome, brain tumor, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, impaired vision, mental retardation, and pulmonary disorders. Finally, history of premature birth, seen in 31%, led to higher incidence of SS for target height (54%) than did term birth (28%). Accelerated growth was present in 37%.
Conclusions:
Children with hydrocephalus are at increased risk for short stature, slow growth velocity, or accelerated growth. Observation of premature entry to puberty, or accelerated or slow growth velocity should prompt an endocrine evaluation.