Short Stature in Childhood and Adolescence: Part 1: Medical management.

Childhood short stature is common in family practice. Familial short stature and constitutional growth delay account for most cases, and there are clear guidelines for differentiating these from each other and from less common pathologic conditions. Appropriate investigation, treatment, and referral are delineated, and growth hormone therapy is described. An integrated medical-psychosocial approach to care is recommended.