CLINICAL RADIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SHORT STATURE ATTENDING THE ENDOCRINOLOGY CLINIC OF ALEXANDRIA UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Abstract

Normal growth can occur only if the individual is healthy. Normal grmvth results from a complex interaction among genetic, nutritional.. hormonal and environmental factors.

Short stature is a common problem among children and adolescents. .. •'¥-."••.:. For clinicians faced with a sh011 child, understanding ofnormai growth phases and accurate proper measurement of growth parameters allow . correct diagnosis and management of short stature. Early diagnosis of short stature also reduces the subsequent behavioural and,psychosocial disorders . that might develop in short individuals. I Short stature is defined as statural height or length below 3"1

percentile or two standard deviations or more below the mean for age and sex.

The present study is a mixed retrospective and prospective study, aiming to categorize short children attending the endocrine clinic of Alexandria university children's hospital between January 1998 and January 2001 according to their clinical; anthropometries, radiologic()! and laboratory findings.

This study included 272 infants and children who had short stature. .:-..•. Sixty cases (22 %) had heights between 2 to 3 SD below the mean for age and sex, while 212 cases (77.9%) had heights more than 3 SD belmv the mean for age and sex.