| A STATEMENT
FROM THE BRITISH SOCIETY FOR PAEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY (BSPED)
ON GROWTH MONITORING.
Measurement of a child’s height and weight is the principal
method for identifying disorders of growth. In addition it is
a very useful guide to the wellbeing of a child as it affords
an opportunity for individual contact with a health professional.
The BSPED reaffirms its previous statement that whenever practical,
a growth assessment should be made at every point of contact with
a health professional as this is good clinical practice.
Routine monitoring of height and weight for growth and other
disorders assists in the diagnosis of problems which would otherwise
be missed or would come to light at a later stage where the outcome
of treatment may be less favourable. Measurements must be conducted
by trained staff using reliable and calibrated equipment. Regular
updates on training are essential.
The frequency of growth monitoring varies around the country,
as no clear scientific evidence exists as to the most efficient
schedule. The BSPED strongly endorses universal measurement for
all children in the UK, which should be made at the very minimum
on one occasion, possibly combined with the school entry assessment.
Scientific evidence needs to be accumulated with the proposed
introduction of a single measurement at school entry policy to
determine whether this is indeed the most cost effective and efficient
approach in comparison with more frequent or no measurements being
taken. This research should be funded by the Department of Health.
In the meantime, bound by the RCPCH code of good practice which
requires paediatricians to deliver more than the minimum required
standards of care, those areas of the country which conduct a
more intensive growth monitoring policy should not make any strategic
changes until any decisions can be taken based on new scientific
evidence. To do so would be premature and would not be in the
best interests of children.
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