Avances en el diagnóstico de las alteraciones del eje somatotrófico que causan retardo del crecimiento / An update on the diagnosis of growth hormone axis disturbances that cause stunting

Human growth is a complex process regulated by several genes, most of which are unknown. Recently, our knowledge regarding the etiology of genetically determined causes of short stature has greatly increased, so molecular analysis is becoming essential for the diagnosis of growth retardation. The advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the function of the somatotrophic axis have resulted in a dramatic enhancement of our ability to diagnose and treat growth disorders. We hope that in the next few years improved methods for identifying specific abnormalities which cause short stature will expand our ability to diagnose other causes of growth retardation, and reduce the proportion of patients with "idiopathic" short stature.