Assessment of growth and maturation status in pediatric patients and their clinical significance

Abstract

Growth and development are two physiological organic processes by which living beings increase their mass and morphologically mature; thereby, acquiring full functional capacity. Given that growth in the human species shows a discontinuous rate, that is, alternating periods of rapid growth or acceleration phases of deceleration phases, the study in the pediatric population will be complex, requiring the use of mathematical models and reference standards. The aim of this study was to conduct a review on the main models and methods to analyze the growth curve during childhood and the most important reference standards to consider and evaluate growth parameters. © 2012 Universidad del Valle, Facultad de Salud.