Delayed bone age does not always mean disease or growth retardation, due to the fact that in the population children grow at different rates, as well as falling teeth and first menstruation, but, in some cases, a decrease in the production of growth hormone, causes a reduction in the speed of growth and development of the child, which can be assessed by the pediatrician through a pulse x-ray.
Thus, if the parents have doubts about the child's development speed, it is important to consult the pediatrician.
Causes of delayed bone age
The causes of delayed bone age can be:
- Family history of delayed bone age; Decreased growth hormone production; Congenital hypothyroidism; Malnutrition.
Child growth retardation is not always related to bone age, and may result from other health problems, such as stunting.
Treatment for late bone age
Treatment for late bone age should be guided by a pediatric pediatrician / endocrinologist, and is usually done with a daily injection of growth hormone for a few months or years, depending on the case.
However, treatment for late bone age should be started as soon as possible, since the greater the difference between bone age and the child's age, the greater the chances of reaching a height closer to normal.
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