TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 522. Growth and Growth Impairment A1 - Reiter, Edward O. A2 - Rudolph, Colin D. A2 - Rudolph, Abraham M. A2 - Lister, George E. A2 - First, Lewis R. A2 - Gershon, Anne A. Y1 - 2011 N1 - T2 - Rudolph's Pediatrics, 22e AB - Growth is a complex process that involves the interaction of multiple, diverse factors and represents the sum of these influences on cell replication and programmed cell death (apoptosis) and on cell differentiation. Growth is ultimately governed by the genome of a person and its interactions with external factors, such as nutrition and psychosocial well-being. Linear height growth may occur as a continuous process or with periodic bursts of growth and arrest.1-3During 1 year of growth monitoring, there may be marked seasonal variations of height and weight gain with several monthly bursts of weight and then height growth.4 Despite the complexity, healthy children usually grow linearly in a remarkably predictable manner. Change from a normal growth pattern often is the first manifestation of a disease, either an endocrine or a nonendocrine disorder that can involve almost any organ system. Frequent and accurate assessment of growth therefore is of primary importance in the care of children. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=7052565 ER -