Tall Stature

Abstract

Although tall stature in itself is not a medical problem, underlying pathology should be ruled out as this may be associated with significant morbidity or even mortality. (Family) history, physical examination and evaluation of the growth chart should focus on signs of a syndromic cause, such as macrocephaly, disproportion, dysmorphic features and intellectual disability, growth acceleration with or without signs of puberty, and on height in relation to parental height. Targeted investigations can be ordered to confirm a suspected diagnosis. Familial tall stature is the most common diagnosis. Treatment is generally not indicated but in exceptionally tall individuals who request treatment epiphysiodesis can be considered to reduce growth. This is more effective than high dose sex steroid treatment. Because of serious long term effects on fertility we recommend against high dose estrogen treatment.