What to Do If a Child Is Short in Stature?

Question

What should be done if a child is short in stature?

Answer

If a child is short in stature, it’s important to first focus on their growth rate. If there is growth, it may indicate that previous factors such as nutrition or illness have affected their height development. If growth is present, further investigation is needed to identify the cause, which can include organ dysfunction, endocrine abnormalities, particularly issues with nutrition status, kidney function, liver function, or a lack of growth hormone. Solutions should be tailored to address these different causes.