What is ISS?

ISS describes children who are very short (below the 1st percentile) but have NO medical reason for it.

• Normal Growth Hormone levels.
• No celiac disease or thyroid issues.
• Normal birth weight.
• They are simply naturally short.

Is Growth Hormone (GH) used?

The FDA has approved GH therapy for ISS.

• Pros: It can add an average of 1.5 to 3 inches to final adult height.
• Cons: It requires daily injections for years, is very expensive, and results vary (some kids grow a lot, some very little).

The Decision:

This is a personal decision for families. Is the height difference causing significant psychological distress? Is the potential gain worth the burden of daily shots? Endocrinologists help guide this discussion.