RED FLAGS IN PHYSICAL GROWTH

Occipitofrontal Circumference of large and small size of the head two red flags are related to development problems. Microcephaly is associated with an increased incidence of mental retardation, but there is no simple relationship between the size of the head of small and depressed intelligence. As a reflection of the normal variation, microcephaly is not associated with structural pathology of the nervous system or low intelligence. In addition, microcephaly can be considered above average cognitive abilities. Micro-cephaly associated with genetic disorders or acquired reflects brain pathology and has almost always cognitive implications.

Macrocephaly may be due to hydrocephalus, which is associated with an increased incidence of cognitive deficits, particularly learning disabilities. Macrocephaly without hydrocephalus, far from being a predictor of advanced intelligence, is also associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive deficits. It may be due to metabolic abnormalities or anatomical. In about 50% of cases, family is macrocephaly, and the implications are harmless in terms of intellect. When assessing the infants whose macrocephaly is isolated, the finding of a large size of the head in one or both parents may be reassuring.

The weight and size Although the majority of people who are below-or above-average size are otherwise normal, there is an increased prevalence of developmental disabilities in these two sub-populations. Many genetic syndromes are associated with a small, high stature syndromes are less frequent. Again, when considering the standard deviation of the specific child, family characteristics should be reviewed. The notion of parental authority mid-height is useful for determining whether a child is appropriate for the size of his family pattern of growth.

Dysmorphism Although most of the unaccompanied minors dysmorphic are significant, the presence of three or more may indicate the presence of a malfunction of development. Approximately 75% of these minors dysmorphisms surface can be found by looking at his face, skin and hands. The presence of minor and major abnormalities may indicate a more serious genetic syndrome. In many cases, dysmorphic lead to the diagnosis of a clinical syndrome during the neonatal period and prior to the recognition of any neurological deficit.