Short Stature
What Is Short Stature?
Short stature is the term used to describe individuals who are shorter than what is considered an average height. A child is labelled with short stature when they fall below a certain percentile on the growth chart. Short stature can be caused by numerous medical conditions or genetic factors. It is common for short stature to be the result of a combination of these factors, often making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of shortness.
Signs and Symptoms of Short Stature
The most obvious symptom of short stature is a height below the average for a person’s age and gender. Beyond this, there are several signs and symptoms associated with short stature, including:
- Delayed growth
- Delayed onset of puberty
- Frequent infections
- Failure to gain weight or maintain healthy body weight
- Abnormally Short arms and legs
- Developmental delays
- Delayed bone age
- Abnormal head size or facial characteristics
Causes of Short Stature
In many cases, the cause of short stature is unknown. A combination of genetic causes and environmental factors can lead to short stature, though some medical conditions can also cause shorteness. Common causes of short stature include:
- Genetic disorders
- Hormone and endocrine issues
- Chronic illnesses
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Infections
Diagnosing Short Stature
Short stature can often be diagnosed through medical evaluations and imaging tests. The doctor might first measure the patient’s height and weight. The doctor may also evaluate the patient’s clothing size and compare those measurements with norms for children of a similar age and gender.
Additional tests may be needed to evaluate a child’s growth rate. Diagnoses may include checking hormone levels, ordering imaging studies to assess bone age, and performing a physical examination of the patient. In some cases, genetic testing may be performed to make a diagnosis.
Treatment for Short Stature
Treatment for short stature is based on the underlying cause and may include medications to stimulate growth hormone production, surgery to correct any anatomical issues, and changes to the patient’s diet or exercise routine. Growth hormone therapy is the most commonly used treatment tostimulate growth and address any underlying hormonal issues.
In some cases, short stature may not require medical treatment. In some cases, a child may simply reach their normal height at a later age. If treatment is recommended, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and complete any necessary tests to monitor the patient’s growth. Additionally, talking with a psychologist may be beneficial, as some children may experience verbal or physical bullying due to their height.