Question

Short stature: Types.

Hint:

Differentiating between constitutional growth delay and pathological short stature is essential for appropriate management and prognosis.

Answer 1

Step 1: Types of Short Stature.
Short stature can be classified into the following types:
(1) Constitutional Growth Delay - A normal variation in growth where children grow at a slower pace but eventually catch up to normal growth by adulthood. These children typically have a family history of delayed growth.
(2) Familial Short Stature - Inherited short stature, where the child’s height is proportionately short due to family genetics, without any underlying pathological cause.
(3) Pathological Short Stature - Resulting from medical conditions affecting growth, such as:
- Endocrine Disorders: Hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, or other hormonal imbalances.
- Chronic Diseases: Malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, or other systemic illnesses.
- Genetic Syndromes: Turner syndrome, Down syndrome, or skeletal dysplasias.
(4) Idiopathic Short Stature - When no clear cause for short stature is found despite investigation. It may be due to a variety of unknown factors.