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Delayed Growth in 15-Year-Old Boy
Hi,
My son turned 15 years old this summer prior to starting his sophomore year in high school, and is much smaller than all of his classmates. He is currently about 5' 2" and weighs 103 pounds. We charted his growth from the age of 3. He was in the 80th percentile through age 6, dropped to the 50th percentile through age 9, and then continued to drop steadily to the point where he has been below the 5th percentile since age 13. All of his classmates have experienced their growth spurt and voice change, etc., but he appears to be about 11 or 12 years old. I am 6' 1" and 215 pounds, and my wife is 5' 6" and 120 pounds, so I would assume he would normally end up between 5' 10" and 6' 0"?
My son has been seeing a pediatric endoctrinologist for the past 2 years. This doctor is apparently very conservative in prescribing GH's, according to our PCP, and has not prescribed GH's or testosterone for my son. About 5 months ago, our Endo Dr. referred our son to a Gastrointestinologist, to check for Celiac or Crohn's symptoms. The Gastro Dr. indicated that our son is exhibiting early (indicative) signs of Celiac's disease, so we started him on a Gluten-free diet 4 months ago.
My concern is that our Endo Dr's conservative nature will result in our son missing his opportunity for growth. In his last wrist x-ray 5 months ago, his plates had not yet fused, suggesting that his bone age was about 18 months behind his real age. My question is, should we seek out a different opinion from another Pediatric Endo Dr.? The Gastro Dr.'s diagnosis suggested that our son may have Celiacs in the future but is not yet exhibiting the full-blown signs of having it, so could this truly be the cause of our son's delayed growth (which our Endo Dr. is indicating)? We had another visit with our Endo Dr. last week, and she indicated that she is completely baffled by my son's case, and doesn't really know what to do about his delayed growth.
My wife and I would appreciate any suggestions!
My son turned 15 years old this summer prior to starting his sophomore year in high school, and is much smaller than all of his classmates. He is currently about 5' 2" and weighs 103 pounds. We charted his growth from the age of 3. He was in the 80th percentile through age 6, dropped to the 50th percentile through age 9, and then continued to drop steadily to the point where he has been below the 5th percentile since age 13. All of his classmates have experienced their growth spurt and voice change, etc., but he appears to be about 11 or 12 years old. I am 6' 1" and 215 pounds, and my wife is 5' 6" and 120 pounds, so I would assume he would normally end up between 5' 10" and 6' 0"?
My son has been seeing a pediatric endoctrinologist for the past 2 years. This doctor is apparently very conservative in prescribing GH's, according to our PCP, and has not prescribed GH's or testosterone for my son. About 5 months ago, our Endo Dr. referred our son to a Gastrointestinologist, to check for Celiac or Crohn's symptoms. The Gastro Dr. indicated that our son is exhibiting early (indicative) signs of Celiac's disease, so we started him on a Gluten-free diet 4 months ago.
My concern is that our Endo Dr's conservative nature will result in our son missing his opportunity for growth. In his last wrist x-ray 5 months ago, his plates had not yet fused, suggesting that his bone age was about 18 months behind his real age. My question is, should we seek out a different opinion from another Pediatric Endo Dr.? The Gastro Dr.'s diagnosis suggested that our son may have Celiacs in the future but is not yet exhibiting the full-blown signs of having it, so could this truly be the cause of our son's delayed growth (which our Endo Dr. is indicating)? We had another visit with our Endo Dr. last week, and she indicated that she is completely baffled by my son's case, and doesn't really know what to do about his delayed growth.
My wife and I would appreciate any suggestions!
My son did have the endoscopy test done on his stomach and intestines, and since then he has been gluten free. I had the blood test done and it was negative for celiac. My wife plans to have the blood test done as well soon. Thanks.
Even though it is not causing sickness it may still be damaging his digestive tract. I suggest that you have him tested for celiac. You and his mom should get tested too, because celiac is often genetic.
Thanks for commenting. Do you get ill if you eat glutens? My son has never had a problem with his stomach due to glutens, which makes me wonder how valid his diagnosis is?
I doubt his problems are being caused by celiac disease. I have had it my entire life and i'm 5'6 and I'm 14. He might just go through puberty slower, there's kids at my school who are and look like 6th graders. Just make sure he eats a lot and gets calcium, it'll probably help him grow a bit.
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