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Short Stature in Children

Short Stature in Children Overview

The term short stature describes height that is significantly below the average height for a person's age, sex, racial group, or family. Growth failure is often confused with short stature. Growth failure that occurs over time eventually results in short stature. By definition, growth failure is a medical condition. However, short stature is often a normal variant.

Short stature may or may not be a sign or symptom caused by a medical condition. The assessment of growth over time—not just a single point in time—is key in maintaining children's health. Any departure from a prior growth pattern appropriate for the child's genetic background may signal the appearance of a disease.



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Longitudinal growth assessment is essential in child care.

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