The Management of Growth Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

Statural growth is the result of a complex physiological process leading to longitudinal bone growth. This process is regulated by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors including nutrition, psychological factors, physical activity, and climate. Since normal growth represents a reliable indicator of a child’s good health, growth should be regularly assessed by pediatricians up to the achievement of adult stature, and any deviation from the normal growth curve should be carefully investigated. Short stature is one of the most common reasons for referral to a pediatric endocrinologist. Tall stature instead, albeit having the same prevalence, is generally more accepted, and tall patients are referred less frequently. For most of these patients, a pathological cause cannot be recognized. In the last decades, however, a number of genetic causes of short stature and overgrowth have been elucidated, opening the way for new potential treatments. Additionally, particularly in syndromic cases, a multidisciplinary approach is essential for appropriate management of the affected child.