ABSTRACT
This chapter presents important causes of impaired growth and short stature in children, and examines the methods for monitoring growth during treatment. Normal human growth and final height attainment after birth depend on: adequate secretion of growth hormone (GH) by a normally functioning hypothalamic- pituitary axis, and normally functioning target organs for GH and other necessary growth factors. It also depends on: normally functioning thyroid gland, especially during the early postnatal period; normal sex hormone secretion during the pubertal growth spurt; adequate nutrition, hygiene, absence of chronic disease; genetic factors; and possibly an abuse-free home. Appropriate treatment depends on the correct diagnosis of impaired growth, and GH should be administered, if appropriate, as soon as possible, when normal growth rates will be established and maintained with continued treatment with GH until the child is fully grown.
