Growth failure in adolescents: etiology, the role of pubertal timing and most useful criteria for diagnostic workup

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the etiology, the role of pubertal timing and most useful criteria for diagnostic workup in adolescents with growth failure. METHODS: Adolescents (n=182) aged 10.0-18.0 years underwent a standardized diagnostic protocol. Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) was defined as late pubertal onset or a Tanner stage less than -2 SDS. Dutch and Finnish criteria for growth monitoring were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: In 13 children (7.1%) a specific diagnosis could be established. CDGP was diagnosed in 10% of patients aged ≥13 (girls) or ≥14 years (boys). Sensitivity to detect pathologic causes was 85% and 62% for, respectively Dutch and Finnish criteria for growth monitoring as used in younger children, but specificity was low (55%-59%). CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents, pathological causes for growth failure and pubertal delay are common, and we recommend a combination of height SDS, distance to THSDS and growth deflection for deciding on further diagnostic testing.