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Short Stature in Children

Genetic, hormonal and chronic disease causes affect the child's growth potential.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Short Stature in Children?

Short stature is the situation in which the child's height growth lags significantly behind same-age peers.

It can develop because of constitutional growth delay, family-related short stature, growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism or chronic disease.

Endocrinological evaluation, bone age determination and pituitary MRI are essential for diagnosis.

Symptoms

Significant difference from same-age peers in height
Slow growth velocity (<5 cm/year)
Maturation appropriate to bone age
Disproportionately small body in growth hormone deficiency
Mid-face hypoplasia (in syndromic forms)
Late or absent secondary sexual characteristics
Concomitant chronic disease symptoms

Risk Factors

Family history of short stature
Intrauterine growth retardation history
Chronic systemic disease (renal, gastrointestinal)
Growth hormone deficiency or congenital hypothyroidism
Genetic syndromes (Turner, Noonan, achondroplasia)
Severe chronic malnutrition
Long-term corticosteroid use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Paediatric endocrinology evaluation is required if growth velocity is <5 cm/year
  • Reference must be made if final adult height target is not reached
  • Pituitary MRI must be obtained for growth hormone deficiency suspicion
  • Thyroid function and karyotype examination are recommended in girls

Treatment Methods

01
Recombinant growth hormone therapy (subcutaneous, daily)
02
Levothyroxine in hypothyroidism
03
Treatment of underlying systemic disease
04
Nutritional supplementation and dietitian support
05
Surgical limb-lengthening method (rare)
06
Annual height-weight follow-up and bone age monitoring

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.