Assessing tall stature

Children and adults are considered ‘tall’ when their height is above 98th centile for age i.e. 2 standard deviations (SD) above the mean. Tall stature is familial in most cases. In assessing children with tall stature the mid-parental height centile should always be calculated and this article gives advice on how to proceed with investigation and management for children who are unexpectedly tall. Other common causes of tall stature are obesity or early normal puberty. Precocious puberty, hyperthyroidism and GH excess are less common but these will also cause rapid height velocity at any age and precocious puberty should be excluded in every child presenting with tall stature.
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Symposium: Endocrinology Source Type: research