MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SHORT STATURE IN CHILDREN: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: There are many errors in interpreting scientific evidence about growth. This review addresses several of these errors by referring to scientific literature. Key points: Not all height measurement instruments are valid; the height percentiles do not indicate a single ideal value; to calculate the genetic height range, it is a mistake to add and subtract 5 cm from the genetic height; during the first years, the height percentile can drop physiologically; it is not useful to measure height monthly; the growth rate is not better than the percentiles; an increase in height percentiles is not always a good sign; auxiliary tests are not always required to evaluate growth; measuring isolated growth hormone is not helpful, except in newborns; malnutrition is not the most common cause of short stature; genetics plays the most crucial role in growth; no supplement, exercise or sleep time has been shown to make you grow more than usual; and it is not appropriate to administer somatropin in healthy children with normal height. Conclusions: High-quality scientific evidence must be considered to give recommendations to parents of children who are evaluated for suspected growth problems.