Assessment of growth and nutritional status in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Growth and nutritional assessment are indicators of the overall well-being of children and adolescents with IBD. Laboratory information has limited utility in determining nutritional status but is useful for identifying deficiencies for some nutrients such as iron. The anthropometric exam provides important information about short and long-term nutritional status, but requires attention to detail to obtain accurate and precise measures. Comparison with well-designed reference data is key to determining growth and nutritional status and monitoring changes over time. Delayed skeletal and sexual maturation, and assessment of genetic potential for growth provide a context for interpreting growth and nutritional status. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.