Identifying Endocrine Problems in Children: Key Assessments

The primary screening tool for pediatric endocrine disorders is the growth chart. Serial plotting of height, weight, BMI, and head circumference (in infants) reveals deviations from genetic potential.

Red Flags on Growth Charts

• Height velocity < 25th percentile or crossing percentiles downward.
• Weight gain without linear growth (suggests hypothyroidism, Cushing's).
• Precocious or delayed puberty markers.

Additional Clinical Signs

• Polyuria/polydipsia (diabetes mellitus/insipidus).
• Fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation (hypothyroidism).
• Heat intolerance, tachycardia, weight loss (hyperthyroidism).
• Hyperpigmentation, salt craving (adrenal insufficiency).
• Genital ambiguity, micropenis (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypogonadism).

Any concerning trend or symptom warrants pediatric endocrinology referral. Baseline labs often include TSH, free T4, IGF-1, bone age X-ray, and electrolytes.