New cross sectional stature, weight, and head circumference references for Down's syndrome in the UK and Republic of Ireland

Aim: To present a growth reference for children with uncomplicated Down's syndrome living in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Data are available for height and weight in the age range 0-18 years, including the first three months of life, and for head circumference in the first year, Methods: The study sample was drawn from 16 discrete geographical areas and was representative of children age 19 years of age or less who are now living in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Multiple growth measurements for 1507 children were obtained retrospectively by case note search. Data from children with significant cardiac or other major pathology were excluded from analysis. Data from pre-term babies were excluded up to age 2 years. Centile curves were constructed from 5913 selected measurements from 1089 children and were derived using Cole's LMS method. Results: The resulting centiles differ substantially from those previously available in the UK, which were based on selective US data published in 1988. Conclusions: We propose that these charts should now be adopted as the standard UK/Republic of Ireland reference.