RE: Re: Growth Velocity Question

[Guest guest]

Do you know the average height for a 5 year old and what it is for a 10 year old

should be? Tori seems to get taller just not fatter.

Re: Growth Velocity Question

Well, the " true " growth velocity is a calculation in cms per year.

But the easiest way to think of it for US folks is that the average

child (normal) ages 4 to pre-puberty grows roughly 2 inches per year.

This would be the same as 5.08cm per year.

So a growth velocity of 5.08 cm per year (or 2 inches per year)

is " normal. " For a short RSS/SGA child, they have to grow MORE than

5.08cm/year or they will not catch-up in stature. The problem is that

many doctors look at their growth velocity and say " hey, ny is

growing a normal 2 inches a year, let's keep watching... "

On growth hormone, if dosed properly, started at a relatively young

age (e.g., by age 5 or so, let's say), monitored properly every 3

months, and parents give the shot every night -- the average RSS child

in our division seems to have their growth velocity increase by 75-

100% the first year on GH. So a growth velocity of 3.5-4 " per year

(8.89cm-10.16cm).

Year 2 might see 3-3.5 inches (remember, the average child is still

only growing 2 inches, so your child is GAINING on the other kids each

year).

Year 3 might see 2.5-3 inches. And somewhere in those following

years, depending on where the child's target growth is based on mom

and dad's height, the RSS/SGA child on GHT will see their growth curve

eventually flatten out, hopefully near their target height -- so

eventually the child will begin growing again around 2 inches a year

and then follow that new curve.

This is where is at. Now, that being said -- this is why

appts EVERY 3 MONTHS is critical. There were quarters where 's

growth velocity was terrible -- let's say 6cm; then Dr. H would

adjust/increase the GH dosage and the velocity would jump back up to 9-

10. If you skip an appt, and the dose isn't adjusted, then the height

would stay flat for SIX months, until your next visit. I truly

believe that a lot of 's success in getting near her target

height is because Dr. H has been so vigilient in making us come every

3 months; and also she believes it is because we rarely have skipped a

shot.

Controversial topic, I know. Some of you have talked about skipping

shots. Dr. H firmly believes that GH is cumulative, and so if you

skip 10% of your shots, you may decline your child's height by 10%

(just guessing, nothing proven). Let me tell you, with my fatigue

level, we probably would have skipped far more shots, but my husband

is adamant that we don't skip. Even camping, we're all warm in our

sleeping bags, and we remember the shot, he'll get up get the cooler

out of the car in the dark to get L her shots. Thanks to my husband's

tenaciousness, has missed about 5 shots in 4 1/2 years....

But anyway. That is what growth velocity is. It is calculation of

how fast the child is growing; and this velocity is ever changing from

measured point to measured point.

Does that explain it? Jenn

>

>

> You mentioned that Lindsey's growth velocity has lowered. Can you

> tell me what Dr. H considers a good or bad growth velocity? We have

> an appointment on Monday and at 's last visit she said -

> depending on her growth velocity over the next three months, then she

> will determine whether or not to do more formal growth hormone

> testing. I'm wondering if grew or gained even at all, but

what

> amount would be considered acceptable.

>

> Does anyone have any information on this subject?

>

> B

> 5 and Kelli 2 3/4