Classification, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic short stature

Abstract

Idiopathic short stature is the low stature in which all possible causes are excluded. The diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic short stature are the subject of constant controversy and discussion. With the expansion of indications for growth hormone therapy for conditions unaccompanied by growth hormone deficiency, there has been recently a challenge as to its use in idiopathic short stature. To date, there has been much worldwide evidence for the efficiency and safety of growth hormone therapy in children with idiopathic short stature. In 2008, the International consensus on the diagnosis and management of idiopathic short stature, prepared through the joint collaboration of three research societies: the Growth Hormone Society, the Lowson Wilkins Society of Pediatric Endocrinology (USA), and the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology. The main points of this document have formed the basis for this paper.