Nutritional Stimulation of Growth in Children With Short Stature

Nutritional Stimulation of Growth in Children With Short Stature

Short stature is a frequent reason for referral to a pediatric endocrinology clinic. Short stature is especially prevalent among those with failure to thrive (whose weight is significantly below the average weight of his/her peers). The growth hormone has limited efficacy for medical treatment of short stature when the cause of short stature is not growth hormone deficiency. This study will investigate the effect of 6 months of nutritional supplement (essential amino acids) compared to placebo in the linear growth of short children who have not yet reached puberty.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 3 to 11 years (inclusive).
• Pre-pubertal status (i.e. Tanner stage 1 for breast development for girls and testicular enlargement for boys and pubic hair for both sexes).

Exclusion criteria:

• Ages younger than 3 years or older than 11 years.
• Medical history of a neurologic, endocrinologic, genetic, or metabolic problem known to have a direct effect on height growth. This includes, but is not limited to, children with a Growth hormone deficiency, Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Russel-Silver syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Pseudohypoparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, malabsorptive syndromes, cancer survivors, etc.
• Currently being treated or previously treated with Growth hormone, or history of oral steroid treatment within the last 3 months.
• Being in puberty.