Pediatricians rely on Swiss data for growth monitoring

Starting today, Swiss pediatricians are using new growth charts as the official standard. Unlike the growth charts used previously, these are based on national data and are thus expected to provide more accurate information on whether a child is growing properly.

The new recommendations are based on one of the largest growth studies in Europe, as the Pediatric Endocrinology Center Zurich (PEZZ) announced on Tuesday. Data from over 43,000 children and adolescents from all language regions of Switzerland were analyzed for the study.

A key finding of the new curve is that children in Switzerland are, on average, up to four centimeters taller than the previous reference values suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO).

By adapting the growth charts to Swiss conditions, growth disorders could be detected earlier in the future. These include, for example, growth hormone deficiency, celiac disease, and thyroid disorders. At the same time, the more precise data should help avoid unnecessary medical investigations.