Viitekasvukäyrät

Viitekasvukäyrät, known in English as reference growth charts, are graphical tools used to assess the growth of children and adolescents. These charts plot measurements such as height, weight, and head circumference against age. They are based on data collected from large populations of healthy children. By comparing an individual child's measurements to the reference population, healthcare professionals can determine if the child's growth is within the expected range.

The most common reference growth charts are those developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for infants and young children up to the age of five, and by national health organizations for older children and adolescents. These charts typically display a series of percentile curves, with the 50th percentile representing the median for the reference population. Other percentiles, such as the 3rd and 97th, are also shown to indicate the typical range of growth.

When a child's measurements are plotted on a reference growth chart, their position relative to the percentile curves provides valuable information. A child consistently tracking along a particular percentile curve suggests normal growth. Deviations from a child's established growth pattern, such as a sudden drop or rise across multiple percentiles, may indicate a potential health issue that warrants further investigation. Viitekasvukäyrät are essential for monitoring healthy development and identifying growth abnormalities early.