Short Stature in Children Topic Guide

Growth failure in children may be caused by a number of factors, whether genetic or hormonal. Growth delay that results in short stature is seldom a result of a medical condition that requires treatment, however, hormone replacement therapy is indicated when the child has hypothyroidism or growth hormone deficiency.

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a disorder that involves the pituitary gland, which produces growth hormone and other hormones. People affected by growth hormone deficiency may have short stature and a variety of health problems. Treatments include hormone replacement therapy and other measures, depending on the root cause of the deficiency.

When the pituitary gland at the base of the brain fails to produce enough human growth hormone, it causes all sorts of symptoms in children with the deficiency. They include: Short height for child's age, Increased fat around the waist and in the face, Feeling upset about his or her height, The child may look younger than other children his or her age, Delayed onset of puberty, and Delayed tooth development. Treatments include hormone replacement therapy.

Growth hormone deficiency is a disorder of the pituitary gland in the brain which produces growth hormone. A lack of growth hormone in children causes abnormally slow growth; and the deficiency may be caused by a birth defect or any number of acquired conditions like brain cancer or infection. Depending on the cause of the deficiency, children may have to receive growth hormone injections or other therapy as the underlying condition warrants.

Growth hormone deficiency is a condition in which the pituitary gland or hypothalamus fails to produce enough of the hormones that stimulate growth. Whether acquired or congenital, children with growth hormone deficiency may experience: low blood sugar, heart disease, increased body fat and weakened bones. These problems can be treated by replacing the hormones.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Causes of hypothyroidism include: Hashimotot's thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, previous thyroid therapy, drug-induced, Pituitary or hypothalamic disease, and iron deficiency. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism are: fatigue, constipation, weight gain, poor appetite, dry and rough skin, coarse hair, hair loss, edema, depression, and elevated cholesterol levels. Treatment of hypothyroidism is generally with medication.

The newborn period is the first 28 days of life. In the first few days of life, babies may lose 5%-7% of their body weight. By their second week of life, babies typically regain this weight. At birth, newborns may have a cone-shaped head, which usually resolves within a few days. Parents who are taller typically have longer babies.