Constitutional Growth Delay

[ConcernedMom6004]

My child was diagnosed with Constitutional Growth Delay and had fallen off of the growth chart. My child is 6 years old and weighs under 34 pounds. My child has always been considered small. I am concerned about my child's weight since having an appetite has never been an issue. The lack of significant weight did not occur until 2 1/2 years ago. At that time my child went through a very tramatic event. Since then there has not really been any real significant weight gain that has been permanent. I was told by the endocrinologist that Constitutional Growth Delay had more to do with height than with the actual weight. Can someone clarify this for me?

[Deanna L Aftab Guy, MD]

I am not sure if you want to discuss the traumatic event further but if you can it may help understand what kind of treatment and evaluation is needed, falling off the curve needs worked up, weight only needs more dietary and gastroenterology attention, celiac disease, thyroid disease and malasorption included. Even cystic fibrosis are important to consider even if rare. Yes, Constitutional delay is a child who's height is along its own curve and has a rise around puberty but later than the other kids, Con Delay does not fall off a curve and weight is usually proportionate with height rather than being far below.
Lets see if some more information will help and then we can talk about seeing your pediatrician and where we might go from there.

[Mona1022]

A related discussion, Constitutional growth delay was started.

[Deanna L Aftab Guy, MD]

so although it was not physical trauma this was definitely a significant emotional bonding issue that absolutely contributes to his overall wanting to thrive and eat and anything else with the change. Whether it was all due to this is really unclear.
Work closely with his doctor and gastroenterology consultation may help, they work with feeding therapists and dieticians etc.

[ConcernedMom6004]

The tramactic event dealt with a change in custody. My son's father lied and misrespresented information in court, judge reversed custody and my child was not able to see me or my family that he had relationships since birth. My child was 3 1/2 years old when this occured. Since then he has not had significant weight gain and as of last year diagnosed with Constitutional growth delay. I feel that the lack and loss of weight gain is an emotional issue and perhaps he is not receiving adequate resources and support. Prior to change in custody my child was the proper weight for his age and was progressing up the growth chart sufficiently. My child's father does not appear to be very observant when it comes to observing changes with his weight issues.