Neonatology and Pediatrics

Growth Chart Interpretation in Children Under 5

Growth chart interpretation is essential for monitoring growth, nutrition, and overall development in children, particularly during the first five years of life. This session explores the appropriate use of WHO and CDC growth standards, including weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, head circumference, percentiles, z-scores, and growth velocity. Participants will learn to recognize important growth concerns such as stunting, wasting, underweight, obesity, faltering growth, and crossing of growth percentiles. The session will also address growth assessment in preterm infants and children with genetic or chronic conditions. Integrating growth measurements with developmental milestones, nutritional assessment, and feeding history will be emphasized for comprehensive evaluation. Practical approaches to accurate measurement, interpretation, parental counseling, and individualized care planning will be discussed to support early identification of health concerns and promote optimal childhood growth and development.