Growth retardation

A pathological reduction in linear growth velocity or attained stature, resulting in height or growth rate below expected percentiles for age, sex, and genetic potential.

Causes

• Endocrine causes

  • Growth hormone deficiency

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Cushing syndrome

  • Diabetes mellitus with poor metabolic control

• Nutritional and gastrointestinal causes

  • Malnutrition

  • Chronic inadequate caloric intake

  • Celiac disease

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)

  • Malabsorption disorders

• Genetic and chromosomal causes

  • Turner syndrome

  • Down syndrome

  • Genetic skeletal disorders

  • Familial short stature

• Intrauterine and perinatal causes

  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

  • Prematurity

  • Placental insufficiency

  • Congenital infections affecting fetal growth

• Chronic systemic diseases

  • Congenital heart disease

  • Chronic lung disease

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Chronic liver disease

  • HIV infection

  • Chronic inflammatory disorders

• Psychosocial and environmental causes

  • Psychosocial deprivation

  • Severe chronic stress

  • Neglect affecting nutrition and development