Investigations :-

If the clinical assessment is suggestive of a particular etiology for short stature, one should proceed towards doing tests to confirm the diagnosis. However, if there are no clues on history/ examination, which is often the case, certain screening tests are advisable in these patients.

The following algorithm would be useful for future evaluation:

Apart from specific treatment, according to the under lying etiology, it is important to counsel parents. Children with short stature can have psychological stress due to negative comments from relatives, peers at school etc. The parents must be advised to bring out positive aspects of child's personality & not to over emphasize the abnormalities of stature. The importance of diet and exercise should also be conveyed so as to achieve the maximum potential.

Last created on 23-02-2001
Last updated on 26-04-2007