Optimizing paediatric specialist referrals for short stature in an era of multiple growth hormone indications

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Child Health

Background:

• Atypical growth in children can indicate underlying health conditions requiring timely treatment.
• Morbidity associated with growth disorders necessitates prompt intervention.
• Canada lacks specific guidelines for referring children with short stature, unlike Europe and the USA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop consensus-based recommendations for assessing atypical growth in Canadian children.
• To identify red flags for early referral of children with potential growth disorders.
• To create a referral algorithm and form for primary care providers to ensure timely and appropriate referrals.

Main Methods:

• Consultations and workshops involving pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists, family physicians, and nurses.
• Development of a consensus-based set of recommendations.
• Creation of a referral algorithm and standardized referral form.

Main Results:

• A consensus was reached on recommendations for evaluating atypical growth in children.
• Key red flags were identified to guide early referrals.
• A practical referral algorithm and form were developed for primary care.

Conclusions:

• The developed recommendations and tools aim to standardize and improve the referral process for children with growth disorders in Canada.
• Early identification and referral are essential for managing pediatric growth conditions effectively.
• These resources will support primary care providers in making timely and informed decisions for children with atypical growth.