Child and adolescent growth disorders--an overview.
BACKGROUND
While many children presenting with apparent disorders of growth will be short or tall children growing normally, it is important to identify those children who have an underlying pathological cause. Parental expectation and anxiety will often accompany growth issues and this needs to be addressed.


OBJECTIVE
The article aims to assist the clinician in distinguishing pathological short stature from normal variants, and to guide in the management of normal variants and common pathologies.


CONCLUSIONS
Pathological short stature can be distinguished from normal variants by careful history and examination followed by accurate assessment of the growth parameters of height, weight, body proportions and growth velocity, and judicious use of investigations. Growth is a dynamic process that requires multiple measurements over time. If the patient has a nonpathological cause of short stature, explanation and reassurance are critical--for both the parents and child--to feel supported and comfortable with their height outcome.
Simm
Peter J
PJ
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. peter.simm@rch.org.au
Werther
George A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D041923:Adolescent Development / Q000502:physiology; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D025063:Chromosome Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods
D013006:Growth Hormone