The evaluation and management of tall stature

Abstract 

Referrals for tall stature are decreasing in clinical practice. Defining tall stature is difficult and the majority of tall children are normal. The physician should however be aware of the various endocrine and syndromic causes of tall stature and investigate further if indicated. Constitutional tall stature is the most frequent diagnosis in tall children. Abnormalities of the pituitary gland may be seen in normal puberty in these children. The importance of accurate auxology is paramount. Height prediction using bone age and decisions on treatment of tall stature are difficult areas, and a paediatric endocrinologist should be involved in the management. Acceleration of skeletal maturity using sex steroids is the current preferred modality of height reduction treatment.

Keywords:  Tall stature, Constitutional, Bone age, Estrogen, Testosterone