[Non-endocrine growth retardation. Diagnostic and therapeutic indications]

We analyze the most frequent conditions of non endocrine short stature divided into two groups by phenotypic criterion (dysmorphic or not). Furthermore we consider the different causes of short stature in relation to the appearance of stunted growth. The most recent etiopathogenetic advances in knowledge and the main auxologic features of each kind are reported. In the end we evaluate the current therapeutical measures and we analyse the usefulness of non specific treatments.