Z-score growth reference data for Saudi preschool children.
Assessment of growth using Z-score methods is important for clinical care and research, yet growth reference Z-score data for preschool Saudi children are not available.



Establish Z-score tables and corresponding growth charts.



Uses data from a national survey in 2004-2005.



Community-based random sample of preschool Saudi children.



Raw data from the previous nationally representative sample were analyzed using the L, M, and S statistical methods to calculate Z-scores of growth.



Z-scores reference values for weight, length/height, head circumference, weight for length/height, and body mass index for age for boys and girls from birth to 60 months of age.



For 15 601 Saudi children (7896, 50.6 % boys) Z-score tables and graphs from birth to 60 months of age were derived for boys and girls. The tables and graphs include weight for age, length/height for age, head circumference for age, weight for length/height, and BMI for age.



Z-score reference data on the growth of preschool Saudi infants and children is essential for healthcare and research.



Does not include regional variations.
Mohammad Issa El Mouzan, King Saud University - Pediatrics, PO Box 2925 Riyadh, 11461,, Saudi Arabia, T: + 966 1 467 0807, F: + 966 1 467 9463,, M: 00966555479281, drmouzan@gmail.com, ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8699-3143.
Mohammad Issa
MI
El Mouzan
Ahamed
A
Shaffi
Abdullah Al
AA
Salloum
Mansour M
MM
Alqurashi
Abdullah Al
AA
Herbish
Ahmad Al
AA
Omer
D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D057238:Growth Charts; D006257:Head / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012529:Saudi Arabia