Meta Description: Growth in general and even more when it concerns a fragile neonate or child is an important and constant aspect of care for the family and for the medical staff. A compromised growth during special periods can be associated or followed by an abnormal development.

 

Growth in general and even more when it concerns a fragile neonate or child is an important and constant aspect of care for the family and for the medical staff. Growth is made of different dimensions, not having the same priority at a given time. A compromised growth during special periods can be associated or followed by an abnormal development. 

 

The most frequently used parameters for assessing growth are: (1) The body weight and length, the circumferences of head and (left) arm, the skin folds; these are the absolute indices. (2) There are also the relative indices such as the ponderal index, the body mass or Quetelet’s index: they are the ratios among different parameters. These indices have the purpose to assess the harmony of growth. (3) The velocity indices have the purpose to assess the variability over a period of time of a given parameter, and hence to appreciate the influence of nutritional or endocrine factors.