What is short stature in children?

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-03-07

Short stature refers to an individual's height significantly lower than two standard deviations from the average height of a normal population of the same age and sex, or lower than the third percentile defined by the growth curve of a normal population. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, nutrition, endocrine, disease, psychosocial factors, etc.

According to **, short stature can be divided into:

1.Idiopathic short stature:There is no clear ** for this type of short stature and may be related to genetic factors.

2.Constitutional growth retardation:There is usually a family history of slow growth in childhood, but eventually height may be normal.

3.Endocrine short stature:Caused by diseases of the endocrine system, such as growth hormone deficiency (GHD), hypothyroidism, etc.

4.Trophic short stature:Caused by malnutrition, protein-energy insufficiency.

5.Secondary short stature:Short stature caused by certain diseases such as kidney disease, congenital heart disease, etc.

6.Short deformity:Short stature due to genetic or developmental abnormalities, such as congenital dwarfism.

Diagnosis of short stature requires a combination of history, physical examination, and ancillary findings. There will be different methods for different diseases, such as growth hormone, nutritional support, endocrine diseases, etc. For patients with short stature, it is advisable to see a doctor as early as possible to assess** and intervene accordingly.

Short stature

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