Another factor which affects height is congenital kidney disease. "Children who have kidney disease from birth will have more long-term effects on growth, versus an older child who attains normal height prior to becoming ill," Dr. Yiu said. As well, the more severe the renal failure is, the more a child's growth is hampered by the worsening effects of kidney disease, she noted.

Despite recent advances in managing children with chronic kidney disease, growth remains suboptimal, so it's important determine what factors play a role, said Dr. Yiu.

"By identifying the factors that contribute to short stature in these children, we hope to be able to address the issues early on so that the growth failure can be treated and corrected in appropriate ways such as intensive nutritional programs and therapies such as growth hormone," Dr. Yiu said.