Growth failure resulting in short stature has a variety of causes. One uncommon cause of short stature relates to mutations in the aggrecan gene. This conditions runs in families in an autosomal dominant pattern and causes severe loss of height growth. Osteoarthritis often occurs in adulthood. Dr. Alexandrou is part of a team that now reports 3-year outcomes resulting from growth hormone treatment in children with this condition. She helped co-author the scientific report, which is being published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society (PubMed link to their publication). Briefly their results indicate that roughly 2.5 inches of additional growth were achieved without adverse effects. Studies to determine long-term outcomes are still needed. The publication highlights the importance of bringing children who are growing poorly to be evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist to help determine the potential causes and to consider possible treatments.