Understanding Hydrocephalus in Infants: MRI Insights and Growth Monitoring
Hydrocephalus and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Dear Dr. Hsiao, My younger brother is seven months and thirteen days old. Today, we went for a follow-up ultrasound of his brain because he was previously diagnosed with hydrocephalus. The first ultrasound showed a hydrocephalus...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. After birth, an infant's head circumference typically increases by an average of 8 to 10 centimeters in the first six months, and by about 2 to 4 centimeters in the second six months. You can estimate this growth or use the growth charts in the child's health booklet...[Read More] Understanding Hydrocephalus in Infants: MRI Insights and Growth Monitoring
Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children: Treatment and Growth Impact
Congenital Hypothyroidism (TSH) Dear Dr. Hsiao, Pediatrician: How is congenital hypothyroidism (TSH) treated? What is the impact on a child's growth in the future? Is it possible for them to fully recover their health? As a father, I am very worried. Please help me address m...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Current newborn screening includes this item. If the initial screening shows abnormalities, the patient will be notified for a retest or may undergo direct blood sampling for confirmation. If diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism, long-term thyroid hormone replacement therapy ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children: Treatment and Growth Impact
Concerns About Growth and Development in Preterm Infants
Request for Growth Status Hello, my daughter was born via cesarean section at 37 weeks and 3 days. The reason for the cesarean was that she stopped growing at 1800g after 31 weeks. An amniocentesis was performed during prenatal check-ups, and the results were normal. She was born...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. The prognosis for newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) largely depends on the presence of any associated abnormalities. If there are chromosomal abnormalities, the prognosis is poor (normal chromosomal tests do not guarantee that all genes are normal; many gene...[Read More] Concerns About Growth and Development in Preterm Infants
Baby Growth Concerns: When to Switch Formula and Nutritional Tips
Baby growth issues? Is it necessary for a baby to wait until they are one year old to switch to formula for one-year-olds? Can I switch a week early? My baby has grown two teeth since nine months but hasn't grown any new ones close to one year. Does this indicate a nutrition...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. It should be fine to switch a week early, as long as there are no adverse reactions within three days (such as rashes or diarrhea), indicating that the baby can tolerate it. 2. As long as growth and development are normal, there will be no nutritional deficiencies; dental grow...[Read More] Baby Growth Concerns: When to Switch Formula and Nutritional Tips
Understanding Growth and Development in Children: When to Seek Help
Pediatric Growth and Development My child (a boy) will turn five years old this September, and his height and weight are around the 15th percentile on the growth chart. Should he undergo any relevant examinations? If so, which specialty should we consult? What is the definition o...
Dr. He Shenglong Reply:
Hello: The height and weight of children are closely related to genetic factors. Generally speaking, if a child's growth percentile is below the 3rd percentile, or if there is a drop of two or more percentile curves compared to previous measurements (for example, originally ...[Read More] Understanding Growth and Development in Children: When to Seek Help
Do Children Need Blood Tests for Phthalate Exposure? Costs Explained
Phthalate issues Is it necessary to conduct a blood test to detect any issues if my child has consumed products containing phthalates? Will there be an additional charge at your hospital for this? Thank you.
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello, currently regarding the intake of food containing DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), it is generally excreted quickly under normal liver and kidney function (approximately 24-48 hours), so the concentration of metabolites in the blood and urine is very low. There are curre...[Read More] Do Children Need Blood Tests for Phthalate Exposure? Costs Explained
How Long Does the Milk Aversion Period Last in Infants?
How long does the milk aversion period last for children? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how long the milk aversion period lasts for children. My child is currently 8 months old but only drinks 100cc every 4 to 5 hours. What methods can be used to increase their appetite?
Dr. Ma Yiqun Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yu: Milk refusal can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. The former is often due to a slowdown in growth rate, which leads to a relative decrease in caloric needs, and it does not significantly affect the baby's growth and development, so th...[Read More] How Long Does the Milk Aversion Period Last in Infants?
Is Early Breast Development at Age Eight Normal for Girls?
Is it normal for an eight-year-old girl to start developing breast tissue? Hello: My friend has a daughter who recently turned eight years old and is currently in the second grade. However, before she turned eight, her breasts had already begun to develop, and now that she has ju...
Dr. Xie Degui Reply:
Hello: If a girl under the age of eight shows signs of development, it is advisable to take her to a pediatric endocrinologist. It may not necessarily be precocious puberty; some cases can be caused by environmental hormones.[Read More] Is Early Breast Development at Age Eight Normal for Girls?
Understanding Developmental Issues in a 10-Year-Old Boy
Developmental issues in a 10-year-old boy? Hello Doctor: My son will turn ten this October. Recently, he mentioned that his breasts hurt when touched, and in the past few days, I noticed that there are hard lumps starting to form. Initially, there was only one on the right side, ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If it is located directly below the nipple, it is likely a normal phenomenon occurring "before" development. However, if there are noticeable accompanying secondary sexual characteristics (such as the growth of pubic and axillary hair, development of a male Adam's ...[Read More] Understanding Developmental Issues in a 10-Year-Old Boy
Understanding Growth Plates: Why Hand X-rays Matter in Pediatrics
Height growth plate time Hello, doctor. May I ask if the growth plates in the hands are the last to heal? Why is it necessary to take X-rays of the hands to assess the growth plates? Also, when I had my X-ray taken, my hand was exerting force and fully extended; will this affect ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
As early as 1929, Professor Todd and others in the United States began research in this area. He had taken X-rays of children's left shoulder, left elbow, left hand, left hip, left knee, and left foot. After twenty-one years of effort by scientists, in 1950, Professors Greul...[Read More] Understanding Growth Plates: Why Hand X-rays Matter in Pediatrics
Understanding Congenital Hyperthyroidism in Newborns: Causes and Prognosis
Neonatal Hyperthyroidism Hello Doctor: My nephew had a newborn screening, and his thyroid levels were elevated. The doctor said he needs to take medication until he is 6 years old. Is this what is referred to as congenital hyperthyroidism? My sister-in-law does not have any thyro...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Hello, I believe your baby may have congenital hypothyroidism, which is a condition characterized by a deficiency of thyroid hormones at birth. Approximately 1 in every 4,000 newborns has a severe defect in thyroid function, while many others may have mild or vary...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Hyperthyroidism in Newborns: Causes and Prognosis
Understanding Corrected Age Development in Preterm Infants
Orthodontic age Is there a difference in developmental milestones between preterm infants and full-term infants? How many weeks are considered preterm? For example, if my due date is October 28, but I had a cesarean section on October 9 due to fetal growth restriction, how should...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
After calculating the corrected age of a preterm infant (up to a gestational age of 40 weeks, which is the due date), their growth and developmental milestones should be comparable to those of full-term infants of the same chronological age (this is the purpose of calculating cor...[Read More] Understanding Corrected Age Development in Preterm Infants
Understanding Growth Concerns in Middle School Children: When to Seek Help
Regarding my youngest son in the first year of junior high school? Hello! I have three children. The oldest is in the second year of junior high school, and the second is in the first year. The oldest started developing in the first year of junior high, but the second has not sta...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
A 138 cm tall boy in the first year of junior high school is approximately at the 5th percentile on the growth curve, meaning he ranks among the lowest 5 out of 100 boys of the same age. This meets the criteria for further evaluation. Short stature may not solely be due to growth...[Read More] Understanding Growth Concerns in Middle School Children: When to Seek Help
Is Your 11-Month-Old Not Crawling? Understanding Developmental Milestones
An 11-month-old still not crawling? Hello, Dr. Hsiao: My daughter is currently just 11 months old. Whenever she is placed on her stomach, she either lies completely still on the ground or cries loudly. She can sit on the floor by herself and moves her body using her hands and but...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
It is indeed normal for some infants to skip the crawling stage and go directly to standing. This does not affect their growth and development process. Engaging them with toys or objects of interest can be a good way to encourage their development. However, if by the age of one t...[Read More] Is Your 11-Month-Old Not Crawling? Understanding Developmental Milestones
Understanding Underweight Children: Growth Potential and Metabolism Testing
Underweight in children Hello Dr. Hsiao, my son is currently in the first year of junior high school, with a height of 145 cm and a weight of 27 kg. Many people say that being too thin may hinder his growth potential. I would like to know when it would be appropriate to conduct a...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
This year, entering the first year of junior high school (approximately 13 years old), the height is 145 cm (10-25 percentile), and the weight is 27 kg (< 10 percentile). There is no specific stage that is more suitable for growth and development checks; it is essential to con...[Read More] Understanding Underweight Children: Growth Potential and Metabolism Testing
Understanding Developmental Concerns in Premature Twins: A Parent's Guide
Developmental Assessment Hello Doctor, my second pregnancy resulted in twins, and they were born at 35 weeks. The brother weighed 2100 grams and the sister weighed 2300 grams. As of July 9, they are 6 months old, adjusted to 5 months. However, the brother's development is si...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
At 5 months of age, the infant shows insufficient neck support and appears to have delayed gross motor development. It is recommended to consult a pediatric growth and development specialist at a major hospital, and to address any other concerns during the visit.[Read More] Understanding Developmental Concerns in Premature Twins: A Parent's Guide
Understanding Developmental Differences in Premature Twins: A Pediatric Perspective
Regarding developmental status? Hello doctor, my twin baby boy was born at 35 weeks with a weight of 2100 grams. Next month, on July 9th, he will be 6 months old, but developmentally he is at 5 months. However, his growth and development are different from his sister's. She ...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Response: Please see the attachment. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Pei Ren-Sheng.[Read More] Understanding Developmental Differences in Premature Twins: A Pediatric Perspective
Managing Allergies in Infants: Key Dietary Guidelines and Health Concerns
Allergy Hello: My child is currently over 7 months old and has a history of allergies. I would like to ask: 1. Should egg yolks and meats be introduced only after 10 months to reduce the risk of allergies? 2. What is the appropriate amount of egg yolk to give? Which types of meat...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Egg whites should be introduced around one year of age, while most meats are considered low-allergen complementary foods. 2. When starting to try new complementary foods, the principle is to begin with small amounts and gradually increase, starting with purees, then moving to ...[Read More] Managing Allergies in Infants: Key Dietary Guidelines and Health Concerns
Impact of Antibiotic Overdose on Young Children: Key Concerns and Risks
Can accidentally consuming an excessive amount of antibiotics affect a child? Hello, doctor: My child (1 year and 9 months old) had a fever and went to the hospital for a consultation. The doctor prescribed medication, including two bottles that seem to be antibiotics (name: Amox...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Diarrhea, rashes, and decreased body temperature may be caused by excessive antibiotic use, but they could also be manifestations of the underlying disease, making it difficult to determine the correlation between the two. 2. Most medications are metabolized by the liver and ...[Read More] Impact of Antibiotic Overdose on Young Children: Key Concerns and Risks
Understanding Speech Delays in Toddlers: When to Seek Help
The child is not speaking? Is a 2-year-and-1-month-old child who can recognize and call "dad" and "mom," and is taught to say words like "sister," "dog," and "goodbye," but only speaks when happy, considered to have language delay...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
By the age of 2, a child should be able to say around 10 meaningful words and combine them in phrases (such as "mommy," "hug," "daddy," "dog," "grandma," etc.). They should also be able to meaningfully identify one or two body par...[Read More] Understanding Speech Delays in Toddlers: When to Seek Help