Short stature

Question 1

This is considered to be a psychosocial and physical handicap if

Answer 1

the definitive height is in:

• males <162.6 cm (5′ 4″)
• females <152.4 cm (5′ 0″)

Question 2

General causes to consider:

Answer 2

constitutional delay in maturing—late growth spurt

familial short stature of a genetically small family

organic causes (e.g. coeliac disease, Crohn disease)

Question 3

Treatment

Answer 3

Recombinant growth hormone (somatropin)

• specialist supervision

Question 4

Criteria

Answer 4

Height below 1st percentile

Growth velocity <25th percentile for bone age

Bone age <13.5 yrs ♀; <15.5 yrs ♂

Question 5

Rough rule for expected adult height based on parental height:

Answer 5

boys—mean of parents’ heights + 5 cm

girls—mean of parents’ heights – 5 cm