European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SHORT STATURE IDENTIFIED IN CHILDREN PRESENTING AT MAKASSED GENERAL HOSPITAL

Rola El Othman, Amal Naous*, Georges Habr and Mariam Rajab

ABSTRACT

Background: Longitudinal growth assessment is essential in children at an early period. Short stature can be promptly recognized only with accurate measurements of growth, critical analysis of growth data as well as thorough history and physical examination. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of short stature among patients referred to Makassed General Hospital, to ascertain the etiological profile of short stature and to compare them with the worldwide studies. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients referred to Makassed General Hospital with a complaint of short stature during the period from January 2009 to December 2014 after a proper detailed medical history, growth analysis and physical examination, followed by a radiological and laboratory screening. Results: During the period under review, 643 patients were evaluated for short stature. 538 children were found to fit the definition of short stature and 105 were non short and were excluded from the study. Their age ranged from 6 months to 15 years. The most common etiology was normal variant short stature followed by growth hormone deficiency. Conclusions: Normal variant short stature is the leading cause of short stature. Adequate monitoring of growth as well as early identification of abnormal growth patterns in both girls and boys equally is essential.

Keywords: Short stature; Growth hormone deficiency; Normal variant.