Which statement is not characteristic of constitutional growth delay?

Which statement is not characteristic of constitutional growth delay?

• A. There is generally no history of a similar growth pattern in other family members
• B. The child usually remains constitutionally small as an adult
• C. Final adult stature tends to be normal
• D. Weight and height at birth are generally in the lower percentiles

Answer: (C)

Constitutional growth delay presents with a child who is shorter than peers for their age but has a normal growth velocity and a delayed bone age. A hallmark is catch-up growth that occurs during puberty, leading to a normal final adult height. Family history is often positive for delayed growth spurts, since this pattern runs in families. Birth measurements are usually normal, not consistently low. Therefore, final adult stature being normal is consistent with constitutional growth delay and explains why this option reflects what typically happens in CGD. Statements suggesting no family history, persistence of short stature into adulthood, or low birth measurements do not fit the typical pattern.

Constitutional growth delay presents with a child who is shorter than peers for their age but has a normal growth velocity and a delayed bone age. A hallmark is catch-up growth that occurs during puberty, leading to a normal final adult height. Family history is often positive for delayed growth spurts, since this pattern runs in families. Birth measurements are usually normal, not consistently low. Therefore, final adult stature being normal is consistent with constitutional growth delay and explains why this option reflects what typically happens in CGD. Statements suggesting no family history, persistence of short stature into adulthood, or low birth measurements do not fit the typical pattern.