A study of short stature among adolescents in the rural tertiary center- A prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Long-term morbidities during the adolescence period cause short stature which is permanent, once epiphysis fuse. Objectives: To evaluate etiology in short stature adolescents and its relation with HSDS (Height Standard Deviation Score) and BA (Bone Age) delay. Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted at a rural tertiary hospital. Anthropometry, BA, and etiology of short stature in hospitalized adolescents (10 to 18 years) were assessed. Results: The mean CA (Chronologic Age), mean HA (Height Age), and mean BA were 12.82 (2.20) years, 8.55 (1.92) years, and 10.76 (3.18) years, respectively. Overall non-endocrinal diseases (54%) were most prevalent followed by idiopathic short stature (20%), endocrinal diseases (16%), and normal variants (10%). The mean BA was the least delay in normal variants 0.60 (1.63) years in comparison to endocrinal diseases 2.81 (4.47) years. Severe short stature (mean HSDS ≤ – 3) was commonly seen in pathologic short stature than normal variants (mean HSDS between -2 to -3). Conclusion: The common etiology of short stature amongst adolescents were chronic systemic diseases followed by idiopathic short stature, endocrinal diseases, and normal variants. The more delay in BA and severe short stature (HSDS < -3), the pathological short stature is more likely.

Keywords

• adolescents
• malnutrition
• pathological short stature
• standard deviation score