Short Persons Support: Health : Children : Growth Failure

These conditions indicate a problem with the child's physiology and are grouped into three categories: Systemic, Endocrine and Congenital.

Systemic
Systemic conditions affect the whole body.
- Nutrition
  Good nutrition is the first rule of growth. Starting with pregnancy, parents can use simple common sense to help their children achieve their height potential. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consult with their obstetrician early. Under no circumstances should they drink alcohol, smoke, or take drugs, unless prescribed by their doctor. Alcohol, smoking and drugs have been shown to have a negative effect on height and weight while the child is in the womb.
  After the child is born, a balanced diet of with the right number of calories, and a good protein level is vital to sustain growth. Patents should ingrain in their children good eating habits. Here are some sites that may get you pointed in the right direction.
  The effects of second hand smoke can lead to growth reduction. A smoke-free home environment is strongly recommended.
- Diseases of the Kidneys, Heart, and Lungs
  Diseases of the kidneys, heart, and lungs may lead to growth failure by causing the buildup of toxins in the body and by interfering with the body's absorption of nutrients.
- Diabetes
  Type I Diabetes generally appears in early childhood and interrupts the production of insulin by the pancreas. Without insulin, the body can not break down sugars for energy. Children must be put on a strict regiment of diet, blood sugar tests and insulin injections to control their blood sugar level. People with diabetes want to keep their blood sugar level within a certain range. Good blood sugar control can affect growth, as well as other health factors which may occur later in life.
- Stress and Abuse
  A high stress environment can also lead to growth reductions. This may occur if the parents argue often in earshot of the child. Once the stress level is reduced, normal growth should resume. Even more serious is child abuse, which may take the form of emotional, physical or sexual. There is strong evidence that abuse can limit growth and cause serious physiologic problems for the rest of the child's life.
  References:
  - The Kaspar Hauser Syndrome of 'Psychosocial Dwarfism': Deficient Statural, Intellectual, and Social Growth Induced by Child Abuse
Endocrine
The endocrine system is controlled by the body's glands. It is responsible for growth and other body functions. Different failures of the endocrine system can cause growth failure. Perhaps the most familiar endocrinological cause for short stature, though not necessarily the most common, is a decreased production level of the growth hormone, Somatotropin. Somatotropin is produced by the pituitary gland. Children who do not have enough growth hormone are the most likely candidates for Human Growth Hormone treatment. For more information on endocrine diseases and growth, see Hormone System.
Congenital
Congenital conditions occur before a baby is born. Babies who are born prematurely or are slightly under weight at birth usually catch up during the first 2 to 3 years of age. By that time they should reach the normal range of height and weight, not-with-standing other medical conditions. However, full-term babies who are much smaller than expected at birth (under 4 pounds) may remain small throughout life. There is no treatment that is known to be consistently effective in increasing height for Congenital conditions.
There are hundred's of forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias that may cause a child to be very short for the remainder of his or her life. While there may be treatments to help the child live a healthier life, there are no known cures that will result in a normal height. For more information, see our section on Dwarfism.