[The significance and use of somatometric reference values of weight and height in pediatric and epidemiologic practice].

If we know growth as cellular phenomenon to addition of matter to protoplasm, is valid how a generic phenomenon, within normality range, is a species attribute, and in the human would be of psychosocial order. It is a appointed with only somatometrie is not valid criterion in the diagnosis of desnutrition, but is a excellent point in order to identification of risk population. In this order is necessary reference values useful, well elaborated, with adequate samples. It is commented about weight and height as a adequate parameters for measuring growth. It is convenient the adoption of an unique international somatometric reference tables if we considered growth how a generic and species phenomenons. Were analyzed 2 works of reference tables used in our country. Finally is commented the convenience of use of an unique international reference tables. It is proposed the somatometric reference tables published for the WHO, in 1983, and were discussed the razons for this recommendation.