Chronic disease and short stature

Careful graphing of the anthropometric measurements of children with chronic disease and short stature should be done to determine height and weight growth velocities. In addition, a detailed history can provide information helpful in determining the expected growth curve. If the chronic disease can be effectively treated (eg, malnutrition, emotional deprivation, celiac disease, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis), a period of rapid "catch-up" growth can be anticipated. The prognosis with regard to adult stature depends on the timing, duration, and severity of the growth-inhibiting influence.