Short stature

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Height/weight chart

Idiopathic short stature; Non-growth hormone deficient short stature

All children should have their growth and development monitored on a regular basis.

If your child appears to be much shorter than most children his or her age (or if the growth rate has decreased or stopped), call your health care provider.

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. The child's height, weight, and arm and leg lengths will be measured. If the short stature appears to be a sign of some medical condition, further tests, including laboratory studies and x-rays, may be needed.

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To learn more about possible causes, the health care provider will ask questions, such as:

• Family history
  • How tall are the parents and grandparents?
  • How tall are the brothers or sisters?
  • Are other relatives less-than-average height?
  • Have any family members been diagnosed with a disorder that can cause short stature?
  • At what age did the parents start puberty?
• Child's history
  • What was the child's birth like?
  • How is the child's diet?
  • Has the child begun to show signs of puberty?
  • At what age did puberty signs begin?
  • Has the child always been on the small side of the growth charts?
  • Was the child growing normally and then the rate of growth began to slow?
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Is the child's short stature affecting self-image or causing any problems at school or with friends?

A bone age x-ray is often done. X-rays are usually made of the left wrist or hand.

• Normally, the size and shape of bones change as a person matures. These changes can be seen on an x-ray and usually follow a pattern as a child grows older.
• Certain causes of short stature may be present if the bones have not changed or matured as expected for the child's age.

Girls with short stature may have a genetic test done to check for certain diseases, such as Turner syndrome.

Other tests may include:

• Complete blood count
• Growth hormone stimulation test may be done for some children
• Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may be done for some children
• Other blood tests to look for liver, kidney, thyroid, and other medical problems