CATCH UP GROWTH AND CHILD ABUSE

Abstract

Poor growth in association with child abuse is well recognised but eventual outcome in terms of growth parameters has not been clearly defined. The changes in standard deviation scores (SDS) for height and weight were calculated in 95 children who had suffered child abuse. Catch up growth was defined as an increase in SDS >1.0. Ages at presentation ranged from 6 weeks to 12 years and length of follow up from 9 months to 8 years. The mean SDS for height and weight increased significantly between presentation and most recent clinic visit (p <0.001 and p <0.01 respectively). The 64 children who remained at home (group 1) showed a significant increase in height SDS only (p <0.01). The 20 children taken into long term fostercare or adopted (group 2) showed significant increases in both height and weight SDS (p <0.001 and p <0.01 respectively). The remaining 11 children who were fostered for short periods only (group 3) showed little change in either index. Catch up growth in height occurred in 12% of group 1 compared to 55% group 2 (p <0.001). Catch up growth in weight occurred in 22% group 1 compared to 50% group 2 (p <0.05). Children suffering child abuse show greater catch up growth when taken into long term care.