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Secular changes in growth and maturation: an update
R C Hauspie1, M Vercauteren, C Susanne
1Fund for Scientific Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Secular growth trends show continued height increases but slowing rates. Growth tempo changes vary by population, with significant impacts on short stature definitions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric endocrinology
- Human growth and development
- Public health
Background:
- Secular trends significantly impact child growth and maturation.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for accurate growth assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review secular changes in growth and maturation across diverse populations.
- To analyze trends in attained height and growth tempo.
- To assess the implications for growth standards and the definition of short stature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on secular growth changes.
- Analysis of data on attained height and growth tempo (e.g., menarche, peak height velocity).
- Examination of socioeconomic and demographic influences on growth trends.
Main Results:
- Secular increase in attained height continues globally but is decelerating.
- Adult stature increases range from 0.3 to 3.0 cm/decade.
- Trends in growth tempo have halted, continued, or reversed in different populations.
- Growth changes are more pronounced in children from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Lower height percentiles exhibit more significant secular changes.
Conclusions:
- Regular updates of population-specific growth standards are essential.
- Altered secular trends may necessitate re-evaluation of the definition of short stature.
- These findings have implications for pediatric health monitoring and clinical practice.