A 10-year-old boy is referred for short stature. His mid-parental height is 172 cm. Current height is at 3rd centile (128 cm). Bone age is 8 years. He has no dysmorphic features, normal pubertal stage (Tanner 1), and a positive family history of short stature with late puberty. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) ✓
- B Isolated growth hormone deficiency
- C Familial short stature
- D Hypothyroidism
Correct answer: A. Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP)
Explanation
Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) is characterised by height below the 3rd centile, delayed bone age (more than 2 SD below chronological age), family history of late puberty, and normal growth velocity. Unlike familial short stature where bone age equals chronological age and final height matches mid-parental height, CDGP has a delayed bone age suggesting delayed (not absent) growth potential, and final adult height is typically within the target range. GHD would have markedly subnormal growth velocity; this child's centile tracking suggests normal velocity.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.