Short Stature

Abstract

Sreferral to a paediatric endocrine unit. It is important to note that short stature is not a diagnosis by itself but a manifestation of many physiological and pathological causes. The term 'dwarfism' is no longer used for short stature. Apart from being a matter of social concern, it could also be a clinical indicator of an underlying pathology. Hence, it is important to distinguish pathological from the non-pathological forms of short stature. Definition : Short stature or growth failure is considered when lHeight 2 SD or more below the mean he i gh t f o r tha t g ender and chronological age in a given population, or lHeight more than 1.5 SD below the mid-parental height , or lFall in growth velocity below the 25th percentile. Severe short stature is defined as height 3SD below the mean height for that gender, age and population. Severe short stature is almost always associated with a pathological cause which needs evaluation. Factors influencing growth in different