Idiopathic short stature: definition, epidemiology, and diagnostic evaluation

Growth Horm IGF Res. 2008 Apr;18(2):89-110. doi: 10.1016/j.ghir.2007.11.004. Epub 2008 Jan 7.

Abstract

Idiopathic short stature is a condition in which the height of the individual is more than 2 SD below the corresponding mean height for a given age, sex and population, in whom no identifiable disorder is present. It can be subcategorized into familial and non-familial ISS, and according to pubertal delay. It should be differentiated from dysmorphic syndromes, skeletal dysplasias, short stature secondary to a small birth size (small for gestational age, SGA), and systemic and endocrine diseases. ISS is the diagnostic group that remains after excluding known conditions in short children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Height / physiology
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Endocrine
  • Growth Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Growth Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Growth Disorders / etiology
  • Growth Disorders / genetics
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques