idiopathic short stature
Height below the 3rd percentile in adolescents with no identifiable medical cause for growth delay.
Full Definition
Idiopathic short stature (ISS) refers to a condition where an adolescent's height falls below the 3rd percentile for age and sex without any identifiable pathological cause. Unlike constitutional delay of growth and puberty, ISS patients typically have normal growth velocity but remain consistently short throughout childhood and adolescence. The condition is diagnosed through exclusion of hormonal deficiencies, chronic diseases, and genetic disorders. Treatment considerations may include growth hormone therapy in select cases, though the primary focus is often on psychological support and monitoring for associated social and emotional challenges related to short stature.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase 'idiopathic' unless beginning a sentence.
In Context
- "The 14-year-old was diagnosed with idiopathic short stature after extensive endocrine workup proved normal." — Endocrinology consultation
- "Idiopathic short stature requires careful consideration of growth hormone therapy benefits versus risks." — Treatment planning note