Approach to Short Stature

Growth is an essential and continuous process in animate objects. Linear growth or height is considered synonymous to growth by most children and their parents. Any disturbance or faltering in height is thus, a frequent cause of concern for the family. The foremost responsibility of the clinician is to detect whether the growth pattern is appropriate or deviant from the normal. A detailed clinical evaluation including accurate anthropometry is essential to suspect and diagnose the underlying cause. The role of more sophisticated investigations is reserved for fewer children who are pathologically short. Treatment is directed as per the primary etiology of short stature. Growth hormone therapy is a highly specific and targeted therapy which should be instituted only under expert consultation.