Etiology of short stature in children: analysis of 176 cases

Objective To investigate the causes of short stature in children, and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods Anthropological and physical examination data were retrospectively collected and studied in 176 children with short stature. Results Among the 176 children, 102 children were males[mean age was (9.05±3.28)years old]and 74 children were females[mean age was (8.53±2.76)years old]. Of them, 84cases(47.7%) were diagnosed growth hormone deficiency(GHD), 27cases(15.4%) were idiopathic short stature, 16cases(9.1%) were constitutional delay of growth and puberty, 12cases(6.8%) were familial short stature, 4cases(2.3%) were hypothyroidism, 1case (0.6%) was multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, 4cases(2.3%) were small for gestational age (SGA), 10cases(5.7%) were chromosomal disorders, etc. Conclusion GHD is the most common cause of short stature.The causes of short stature are complicated in children.The diagnosis and treatment should be based on etiology. Key words: Short stature; Etiology; Child