A review: Short stature in renal disease

Abstract

An analysis of factors possibly contributing to the short stature in 21 of 64 children with renal insufficiency, who had had renal disease for at least 2 years, was attempted. Increases in alkaline phosphatase level, most often with roentgenologic evidence of rickets, correlated with short stature. Other factors, such as malnutrition or acidosis, were not contributory factors. The hypothesis is advanced that forms of renal disease that interefere with vitamin D activation lead to rickets and eventually to short stature, whereas forms of renal disease (such as glomerulonephritis) that do not interfere with vitamin D activation may not cause short stature. © 1973 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.