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