Threshold of evaluation for short stature in a pediatric endocrine clinic: differences between boys versus girls?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the height, age, and sex distribution of children evaluated for poor growth or short stature in a pediatric endocrinology clinic.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study between March 2001 and July 2003. Sex, age, height, and parental height were abstracted from new patient visits for short stature.


RESULTS
There was a bimodal pattern for the age distribution at presentation. There were no significant gender differences in height z-score or height deficit. Overall, more boys than girls were evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
More males than females were evaluated, particularly during adolescence. The implications of this differential utilization of subspecialty care remain to be determined.
Lee
Joyce M
JM
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. joyclee@med.umich.edu
Davis
Matthew M
MM
Clark
Sarah J
SJ
Kemper
Alex R
AR
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors