Genetic evaluation of proportionate short stature in Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Compared with a genetically relevant population, short stature
(ss) is defined as a standing height more than 2 standard deviations below the mean (or below the third percentile) for gender. SS is a common problem for children and adolescents worldwide. The Aim: This study was conducted to reveal the spectrum of the genetic
causes of proportionate ss in Alexandria, Egypt. Patients and Methods: A total of 120 patients with proportionate SS, (87 girls and 33 males), ages ranging from 6 months to 15 years, selected from the Human Genetic Clinic, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt, were included in this study. All patients were subjected to detailed
genetic and family history, clinical genetic examination with particular attention to body proportions and dysmorphic features, anthropometric measurments, radiological examination and chromosomal analysis. Results: Parental consanguinity was found among 60.4% of the patients. About 37.5% of the cases had positive family history of short stature. It was found that proportionate SS was due to pathologic causes in 87.5% of the cases and to normal growth variants as constitutional growth delay and familial short
stature in 12.5% of the cases. Pathologic causes included fetal malformation syndromes (27.2%), genetically determined systemic diseases (23.3%), chromosomal abnormalities (20%), and endocrine disorders (17.6%). About 25% of the studied girls had Turner syndrome. Accurate diagnosis of SS modifies the management plan for the patient and
allows psychological and genetic counseling for the family. Karyotype analysis is recommended for all girls with unexplained SS. A sensitive screening system and an effective referral channel to genetic centers are especially important in the management of SS.

Keywords: Short stature, genetic etiology, malformation
syndromes, chromosomal disorders.

Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics Vol. 9 (2) 2008: pp. 171-180