Title
Evaluation of short and tall stature in children
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Cell Biology; Department of Pediatrics
Publication Date
2008-09-16
Document Type
Article
Subjects
Adolescent; *Body Height; Child; Female; Growth; Growth Disorders; Humans; Male
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pediatrics
Abstract
Children and adolescents whose heights and growth velocities deviate from the normal percentiles on standard growth charts present a special challenge to physicians. Height that is less than the 3rd percentile or greater than the 97th percentile is deemed short or tall stature, respectively. A growth velocity outside the 25th to 75th percentile range may be considered abnormal. Serial height measurements over time documented on a growth chart are key in identifying abnormal growth. Short or tall stature is usually caused by variants of a normal growth pattern, although some patients may have serious underlying pathologies. A comprehensive history and physical examination can help differentiate abnormal growth patterns from normal variants and identify specific dysmorphic features of genetic syndromes. History and physical examination findings should guide laboratory testing.
Source
Am Fam Physician. 2008 Sep 1;78(5):597-604.
Journal/Book/Conference Title
American family physician
Related Resources
PubMed ID
18788236
Repository Citation
Nwosu, Benjamin U. and Lee, Mary M., "Evaluation of short and tall stature in children" (2008). Open Access Articles. 2004.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/oapubs/2004