Height growth study of healthy children and adolescents from Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

Objective: Based on a sample of children and adolescents of both genders, our objective is to describe height growth, estimate the peak age at growth spurt, growth rate at this point, the final adult height expected, and differential patterns.

Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data collected prospectively from children and adolescents of both sexes between 2015 and 2016. Height percentiles were calculated using the LMS (skewness, median, and coefficient of variation) method and then adjusted using the Preece-Baines model 1.

Results: We evaluated 861 participants (484 girls, 377 boys), aged between 2 and 18 years. The estimated peak age at growth spurt (hθ) was 13.6 years in boys and 11.0 years in girls, with a peak growth rate (V2) at this point of 6.4 cm/year for both sexes. The mean expected adult height (h1) was 173.7 cm in boys and 160.0 cm in girls.

Conclusions: Preece-Baines model 1 provides satisfactory estimates for the peak age at growth spurt, peak growth rate at this point, and final expected adult height.