Growth Charts

NEWS

The UK Down Syndrome Charts are included in the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Digital Growth Chart API (Application Programme Interface). This is a national, web-based tool that allows those wishing to use online growth charts, including the developers of electronic patient records to build accurate, validated  growth charts , with associated calculations into their applications.

The Digital Growth Charts Down syndrome charts were launched in 2022.

Further information is available here.

In the meantime Down syndrome growth charts and electronic growth chart licences can still be purchased , details below.

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Boys and girls Down Syndrome, 9-centile, cross-sectional growth charts. Available in both A4 and PCHR formats:

  • Exclusive UK / Republic of Ireland data
  • Integrated head circumference data
  • First 3 months of life data
  • Integrated BMI reference

The UK (2011) Growth charts

These new charts are jointly badged by DSMIG and the RCPCH. They are based on the same dataset as the year 2000 charts but the design has been brought in line with the standard UK90 WHO charts. These are based on data from around 6000 measurements of 1100 healthy children living throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. Growth can be charted from term to 18 years. Children with significant cardiac disease or other major pathology were excluded from the study population. In addition, data for those born before 37 completed weeks were excluded up to age two. The charts are therefore representative of healthy children with Down Syndrome living in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

How were the centiles compiled?

The charts were commissioned by the UK Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG) and the data collected by Dr Mary Styles on DSMIG’s behalf. The centiles were compiled under the guidance of Professor Michael Preece with statistical analysis provided by Professor Tim Cole, both of the Institute of Child Health, London. Data were analysed by Cole’s LMS method. Dr Styles’ data collection was funded by the Child Growth Foundation and remains the copyright of DSMIG. See Styles et al. 2002

Action guidelines for preterm, overweight and underweight children

Information is included as to how to assess the growth of preterm babies and how to evaluate the needs of those with apparently faltering growth. As many older children with Down Syndrome are overweight we have included on the charts a weight-height BMI conversion chart appropriate for children with Down Syndrome age over 2 years. Instructions are given as to how this can be used to indicate if there is a serious problem which requires further assessment/guidance.

Further Information

RCPCH/DSMIG Growth Chart Fact Sheet – 2011
Explains why we need special charts for children with Down syndrome and how to use the charts to monitor children’s growth, including premature babies and older infants and children. It also includes some advice on growth in puberty and over-weight and obesity.

DSMIG Guidelines Basic Medical Surveillance Essential for people with Down syndrome: Growth
Gives more information about growth monitoring for children with Down Syndrome and is part of a set of Medical Surveillance Guidelines for people with Down Syndrome produced by the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group.

Ordering

Copies of the Growth Charts can be ordered from Harlow Printing

All other enquiries about obtaining the charts should be directed to:

Harlow Printing Ltd, Maxwell Street, South Shields, Tyne & Wear NE33 4PU. Tel: 0191 455 4286. Fax: 0191 427 0195.Email: sales@harlowprinting.co.uk

Electronic Growth Charts

DSMIG has been designated by the MRC as sub-licensee for the data/LMS tables on which the Down Growth Charts are based.

Anyone wishing to produce an electronic chart needs a licence from DSMIG to do so.

Individuals/organisations wishing to produce an electronic Down Syndrome growth chart can download an License Application Questionnaire 2023 and License Charges 2023 and can contact us for further information.