Optimizing paediatric specialist referrals for short stature in an era of multiple growth hormone indications.

Abstract

The assessment of growth during infancy and childhood is an essential component of paediatric medicine, as atypical growth may point to the existence of an underlying health condition. To reduce morbidity, it is vital that treatment for growth disorders is provided in a timely fashion. However, although there are guidelines regarding referral criteria for short stature in Europe and the USA, there are no such guidelines in Canada. To address this, a series of consultations and workshops with paediatricians, paediatric endocrinologists, family physicians and nurses were held, with the aim of developing a consensus-based set of recommendations for children in Canada showing atypical growth and to identify red flags for children who might benefit from early referral. To achieve this, a referral algorithm and referral form for primary care providers were developed to ensure timely and appropriate referrals, and transmission of the most relevant details to the secondary care consultant.