Tall stature

Question 1

What is defined as tall stature?

Answer 1

height two standard deviations above the mean when compared with others of the same age and sex

Question 2

Name 2 genetic causes of tall stature?

Answer 2

1. Marfan’s syndrome

2. Kleinefelter’s syndrome

Question 3

Name 3 endocrinological causes of tall stature?

Answer 3

1. Growth hormone excess
2. Hyperthyroidism
3. Precocious puberty

Question 4

How is tall stature diagnosed?

Answer 4

1. Calculate BMI - obesity in children tends to make them taller also
2. Growth velocity and target parental centiles are calculated to exclude familal tall stature
3. Check for dysmorphic features of Marfan’s/Kleinefelters

Question 5

How is tall stature investigated?

Answer 5

( not investigated in instance of tall familial stature )

1. Radiology
   - check bone age
   - MRI to check for pituitary tumor
2. Blood tests
   - Genetic karyotyping to rule out Kleinefelters in boys
   - Thyroid function tests

Question 6

Management and prognosis

Answer 6

Growth normalizes with treatment of any underlying endocrine conditions such as hyperthyroidism