ESPE Abstracts

Background: It is widely assumed that short stature can result in psychological, social, and physical problems. The validity and efficacy of GH in management of short stature is still debated.

Aims: This study aimed to i) estimate the prevalence of short stature in preschool children (4–6 years), and determine the final diagnosis of abnormality based on different investigations, and ii) assess the impact of intervention for short stature among preschool children at King Abdulaziz Housing city of the National Guard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Study design: In a cross sectional study, all preschool children attending the preschool comprehensive screening examination during academic years 2007–2010, at the school health clinic of the National Guard in Riyadh (n=5500), were subjected to: i) Full clinical examination, ii) Estimation of mid-parental height (MPH), iii) Assessment of bone age, and iv) laboratory tests. A prospective study of the impact of GH on short statured children attending the pediatric endocrinology clinic at King Fahad Hospital, KAMC, Riyadh, and their parents (n=180). They were assessed prospectively in terms of growth velocity and increment in height and height Z-scores, with GH therapy. Individual records of all children with short stature were examined.

Results: The results of screening for short stature to 4949 preschool and school entrants revealed a prevalence of 3.64%, in the form of familial short stature (30%), constitutional (19%) and GHD (10.4%). The majority of those short children did not need any intervention except assurance, especially that more than 70% were short statured children with normal growth velocity. About 14% of those children were put on GH therapy to be assessed prospectively in terms of growth velocity and increment in height and height Z-scores.

Conclusion: Prevalence of short stature among Saudi preschool children which is comparable to the prevalence figures in other previous studies in the region. The impact of intervention with GH will be determined and a final conclusion regarding the debate in the validity and efficacy of GH treatment will be stated.