Skeletal maturation in deprived preschool children of Chandigarh
Prakash, S.; Bala, K.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 70: 242-251
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 230153 Document Number: 146309
Standard A-P II 20 bone score system. A center-to-center comparison showed females an average 1.269 .+-. 0.688 yr ahead of males in the onset of appearance of ossification; the difference was less in early appearing than in late appearing centers. Precocity in the female was 39.9%. Compared to the USA standards in Chandigarh sample circumnatal and early post-natal centers were advanced by 13.7% in girls and 21.8% in boys while late appearing centers were delayed by 18.7% in girls and 25.9% in boys. Comparison of skeletal maturity in the present sample with British standards revealed a similar pattern of earlier advancement and later retardation. This retardation was .apprx. 1 yr during the 5th post-natal year. Of these children about 60% had skeletal ages below their chronological ages. This retardation in skeletal maturation clearly appears to be related to poor nutritional status, low socio-economic level and lack of knowledge of modern child health care practices. On the basis of catch-up growth these children may respond favorably to nutritional supplementation and other community health service programs designed to give education to mothers on child health and nutrition.