What factor is critical for distinguishing Familial Short Stature from a pathological growth deficiency?
Tracking growth consistently against the parental target height trajectory
Familial Short Stature is not considered a true disorder but rather a genetically predetermined outcome where children inherit shortness from their parents. Distinguishing this non-pathological variation from true growth disorders is crucial for determining the need for intervention. The key diagnostic approach involves plotting the child's growth percentile against their calculated parental target height. If the child tracks consistently along the expected curve dictated by their family's genetics, even if that line remains below the 3rd or 5th percentile on standard charts, it strongly suggests familial short stature, especially when other internal markers like bone age appear normal or inconclusive.
