Kasvuviive

Kasvuviive, or growth delay, is a term used in pediatric medicine to describe slower-than-expected growth in a child’s height for their age and sex. It is commonly identified when a child’s height percentile is low or when there is a downward shift in growth percentiles over time, and it may be a transient variation or a sign of an underlying condition.

Causes of kasvuviive are diverse and can be broadly categorized as endocrine, chronic disease, nutritional, genetic or psychosocial factors. Endocrine causes include growth hormone deficiency and hypothyroidism. Chronic illnesses such as renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or celiac disease can impair growth. Nutritional issues, including inadequate intake, malabsorption, or eating disorders, can slow growth. Genetic or constitutional factors, such as familial short stature or constitutional growth delay, may explain some cases. Medications and psychosocial stressors can also contribute. In many children, kasvuviive is idiopathic, with no identifiable cause.

Diagnosis relies on longitudinal growth data, physical examination, and consideration of family height patterns. Key steps include plotting height and growth velocity on standardized growth charts, assessing bone age, and conducting targeted laboratory tests (thyroid function, IGF-1, celiac serology, and investigations for chronic disease as indicated). Imaging or referrals to pediatric endocrinology may be warranted.

Management focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause, nutritional optimization, and regular monitoring of growth. In cases of confirmed growth hormone deficiency, growth-promoting therapy may be considered. Prognosis varies with the cause; constitutional growth delay often normalizes by adolescence, while other etiologies may require ongoing treatment. See also growth chart, short stature, and puberty delay.