Content
Delayed bone age is most often related to decreased production of growth hormone, also known as GH, but other hormonal conditions can also cause delayed bone age, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease, for example .
However, delayed bone age does not always mean illness or growth retardation, because children can grow at different rates, as well as falling teeth and the first menstruation.Thus, if parents have doubts about the speed of the child's development, it is best to seek guidance from a pediatrician.
Causes of delayed bone age
Late bone age can happen due to several situations, the main ones being:
- Family history of delayed bone age;
- Decreased growth hormone production;
- Congenital hypothyroidism;
- Prolonged malnutrition;
- Addison's disease;
- Cushing's syndrome.
If there is a delay in the growth of the child or delay in the beginning of puberty, it is important that the child is evaluated by the pediatrician so that tests can be done to identify the cause of the delay in bone age and, thus, start the most appropriate treatment. .
How the assessment is made
Bone age is a diagnostic method that can be used in order to help diagnose changes related to growth, being done when the pediatrician identifies changes in the growth curve, or when there is growth delay or puberty, for example .
Thus, bone age is checked based on an image exam that is performed on the left hand. To make the assessment, it is recommended that the hand is aligned with the wrist and that the thumb is at a 30º angle with the index finger. Then, an X-ray image is made, which is evaluated by the pediatrician and compared with the result of a standard examination, and it is then possible to check whether bone age is adequate or delayed.
Treatment for delayed bone age
Treatment for late bone age should be done in accordance with the guidance of the pediatrician or endocrinologist, in most cases the application of daily injections of growth hormone, also known as GH, is recommended. years depending on the case. Understand how treatment with growth hormone is done.
On the other hand, when the delayed bone age is related to a situation other than growth hormone, the pediatrician can indicate the realization of a more specific treatment.
It is important that treatment for delayed 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.