Growth disorders

Growth disorders and short stature are extremely stressful for those affected. Short stature is defined as a height below the so-called 10th percentile. It is important to check if there is a stagnation of growth.

Possible causes of growth disorders:

• Genetic defects, metabolic defects.
• Chronic diseases (including anemia, chronic renal dysfunction)
• Hormonal causes (including too much cortisone in the blood, hypothyroidism, deficiency of growth hormones, receptor defects)
• After chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• In case of nutritional diseases

It is also important to measure the bone age using x-rays. This can best be detected and measured on the left hand.

A genetically engineered human growth hormone is available as a therapy. When taken, it leads to normal body size. IGF-1 can now also be prescribed as a therapy.