title: Proposed new target height equations for use in Australian growth clinics.
abstract: Equations for target height estimation designed for easy use in the Australian growth clinics are presented that are based on the standard deviation score method of Hermanussen and Cole. These equations are superior to the commonly used corrected midparental height method as they account for assortative mating and regression to the mean. Simulations using different mating types were performed to compare different methods of target height estimation. While the equations relate directly to growth charts used in Australia, it is noted that neither account for the secular increase in height observed from generation to generation.
authors.affiliation: The Children's Nutrition Research Centre, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia. i.hughes@uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Ian P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: Peter Sw
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001315:Australia; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical