Growth hormone deficiency affects approximately 1 in 4,000 to 10,000 children globally, according to medical estimates. The condition, which occurs when the body does not produce enough growth hormone, can lead to slower growth rates and may impact bone development and overall health. While rare, early detection remains a priority for healthcare providers in the UAE.
Tracking Patterns Over Time
Changes in clothing size are often dismissed as minor daily occurrences, yet they can serve as a useful indicator of a child’s growth trajectory. A child who has not required larger clothes for an unusually long period might simply be growing at their own pace, or it may prompt parents to consider whether a broader assessment is necessary.
Merck, a science and technology company, is encouraging parents across the UAE to monitor these shifts and consult a healthcare professional if they notice anything unusual. The organization emphasizes that growth patterns change gradually, making it easy for parents to overlook potential issues or attribute them to normal variation between children. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live.
Expert Views on Diagnosis
Dr. Mirrah Agha-Kandil, Group Medical Director at GEMS Education, noted that schools and school healthcare teams also play a role in recognizing potential concerns. At GEMS, clinicians monitor growth as part of their approach to supporting student health and refer children for specialist assessment when they identify significant issues.
Dr. Elham Alamiri, a Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist, highlighted a common misconception regarding height comparisons. She explained that a child who is shorter than their peers does not necessarily catch up later in life. She added that growth assessment relies on tracking multiple measurements over time rather than a single isolated height check.
Gender Differences in Timing
Research also shows that girls with growth hormone deficiency are often diagnosed later than boys, reinforcing the importance of ensuring all children receive timely assessment when growth concerns arise. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2012 Feb;19(1):47-52. doi: 10.1097/MED.0b013e32834ec952. PMID: 22157400; PMCID: PMC3279941. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3279941/ https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/analyst-comment/growth-hormone-deficiency-diagnosis-boys/
Dr. Ahmed Fadl, General Manager – UAE & Gulf at Merck, advised parents to feel confident raising concerns with a healthcare professional. He stated that asking questions about growth differences is a simple step toward understanding whether further assessment is needed.
Healthcare providers can review a child’s growth history, development, and other relevant factors to determine if further evaluation is appropriate. Parents, teachers, and clinicians each have a role in ensuring that persistent concerns are not overlooked.
Understanding the Risks
Parents are encouraged to speak with a paediatrician if they have doubts about their child’s growth. A medical professional can provide clarity and guide families through the next steps if necessary. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668.
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