|
Idiopathic Short Stature (also known as ISS) is a big name for children who are short with no known cause. Idiopathic Short Stature is a problem that can be present in both girls and boys. Many causes of short stature have been discovered over the past few years, but there are still factors that are not yet understood. ISS falls into to this latter category. Although the reasons for ISS are not yet totally understood, it is known that the administration of growth-promoting treatments may help affected children.
Idiopathic Short Stature is defined as having a height significantly shorter than the normal population (i.e., shorter than 1.2% of the population of the same age and gender), a poor adult height prediction (generally defined as less than 5’4” for males and less than 4’11” for feamles), and no detectable cause for the short stature.
Should I take my child to see a growth specialist?
You should first take your child to visit your local pediatrician who will refer your child to a growth specialist (pediatric endocrinologist) if necessary.
You should remember that the window of opportunity for growth ends when the growth plates fuse after puberty; therefore, the earlier you take your child for an assessment the better.
Questions to ask your Pediatrician
1. Is my child growing at an appropriate rate for his/her age?
2. Is my child within the normal range of expected position on the growth chart?
3. Is my child on track to reach a normal expected height which is appropriate for our family?
4. Is my child at an appropriate stage of puberty for his/her age?
How is ISS Diagnosed?
Idiopathic Short Stature is normally diagnosed by a Pediatric Endocrinologist after a full investigation of the medical history, a complete physical examination, and the exclusion of any chronic medical condition or other hormonal abnormality.
The work-up for a diagnosis of Idiopathic Short Stature, although a simple diagnosis, may require a series of blood and/or other tests to be done to rule out various medical conditions that are known to affect height.
For a detailed page on the diagnosis and treatment- please go to the top right and click on the NEW information.
Do Growth-Promoting Therapies work in Children with ISS?
Growth hormone was first approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in patients with Idiopathic Short Staturein 2003 based on the successful results of clinical trials conducted in the USA and in Europe.
When started at an early enough age, growth hormone can significantly increase the final height of a child with Idiopathic Short Stature.
After completion of puberty, no further growth in height is possible. An early diagnosis is, therefore, critical to the success of the treatment.
Contributing Authors:
Dr. Mitchell Geffner, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Fellowship Training
Div. of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
The Saban Research Institute
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA.
***
LEGAL NOTE:The information in this article is copywritten and legally protected against unauthorized reproduction in any complete or partial form. This article was prepared specifically for The MAGIC Foundation. Any type of reproduction is strictly prohibited pending the foundation and author's written authorization. No links to this document may be made without strict written permission of the Foundation and author. Privacy and enforcement of our authors, families and materials is taken very seriously. Failure to comply with the legal posting of this notice, will be met with legal action.
Always remember: We (the parents) are always here to help you with questions about your children with growth problems. If you are worried about your child, new to the diagnosis of Idiopthic Short Stature and/or treatments- please don't sit at home and worry! We are here for you! Growth charts and all growth disorders can be difficult to understand. We are not medical experts but can help you from our own personal experiences. Call 1-800-3 MAGIC 3. |
