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Short Stature, Pediatric

Bhavana Narala, MD and Susanne M. Cabrera, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Short stature is height 2 standard deviations (SD) or more below mean or <3rd percentile for age and sex of the normal population.

  • Growth failure is defined as height 2 SD or more,...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Question: Have length/height and weight been measured correctly and charted appropriately on the correct growth curve?

  • Significance: Interpretation of growth depends on precise and acc...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Evaluation warranted if HV low for age or growth pattern deviates significantly from the MPH target. 
  • In the majority of short children, history and exam are unrevealing, and ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Allen DB, Cuttler L. Clinical practice. Short stature in childhood—challenges and choices. N Engl J Med.  2013;368(13):1220–1228. [View Abstract on OvidInsights]

  • Oostdijk W, Gro...

CODES

ICD9

  • 783.43 Short stature

  • 259.8 Other specified endocrine disorders

  • 253.3 Pituitary dwarfism

ICD10

  • R62.52 Short stature (child)

  • E34.3 Short stature due to endocrine disorder

  • E23.0 Hypopituitarism

SNOMED

  • ...

FAQ

  • Q: Does short stature portend worse psychosocial outcomes?

  • A: No. The majority of children with idiopathic short stature have normal psychosocial function, peer acceptance, and social behavior. Cli...

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