ABSTRACT
Height is a human characteristic that varies greatly within and between different ethnic groups. Short stature is a term applied to a child 2 standard deviations or more below the mean height for children of the same sex and chronological age. In the United States, growth hormone is also licensed for the treatment of idiopathic short stature. Growth hormone is given as a daily subcutaneous injection and treatment is usually prescribed for a number of years until growth is complete. Isolated growth hormone deficiency is a clinical diagnosis, supported by auxological, biochemical and radiological findings. Standing height is measured using a Harpenden stadiometer however supine length is used for children under 18 months of age. The stadiometer should be regularly calibrated and used by a trained professional. Calculating upper to lower body segment ratios can help differentiate skeletal dysplasias causing disproportionate limb shortening from other conditions.
