Constitutional growth delay
Constitutional Growth Delay
Constitutional growth delay (kon-sti-too-shun-al growth de-lay) is a term used in pediatrics to describe a temporary delay in the skeletal growth and development of a child with no physical abnormalities causing the delay. It is also known as constitutional delay of growth and puberty or delayed puberty.
Etymology
The term constitutional refers to the nature of the condition, which is inherent to the individual's constitution or genetic makeup. Growth delay refers to the slower than average growth rate.
Definition
Constitutional growth delay is a condition where children are smaller than their peers and mature later than average, but follow a normal pattern of growth. They are often referred to as "late bloomers". These children usually have a delayed "bone age", which means that their skeletal maturation is younger than their age in years.
Symptoms
The main symptom of constitutional growth delay is a slower than average growth rate. Children with this condition may also experience a delay in the onset of puberty, and may be shorter than their peers. However, they usually catch up with their peers in late adolescence.
Causes
Constitutional growth delay is usually familial, meaning it tends to run in families. It is not caused by any disease or condition, but is simply a variation of normal growth. It is more common in boys than in girls.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of constitutional growth delay is usually made by a pediatrician or an endocrinologist. It is based on the child's growth pattern, family history, and the delay in bone age.
Treatment
There is usually no treatment necessary for constitutional growth delay. Children with this condition will eventually catch up to their peers in height during late adolescence or early adulthood. In some cases, treatment with hormone therapy may be recommended to stimulate growth or puberty.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Constitutional growth delay
- Wikipedia's article - Constitutional growth delay
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