Tall stature

Tall Stature

Tall stature (/tɔːl ˈstætʃər/), also known as gigantism in medical terminology, is a condition characterized by height that is significantly above average. The term is often used in the context of pediatrics and endocrinology, where it may be associated with various genetic disorders and hormonal imbalances.

Etymology

The term "tall stature" is derived from the English words "tall", meaning "high in stature", and "stature", which refers to a person's natural height in an upright position. The term "gigantism" comes from the Greek "gigas", meaning "giant", and is used in medicine to describe abnormal growth due to excessive growth hormone.

Definition

Tall stature is typically defined as a height that is two standard deviations or more above the mean for age and gender, as determined by growth charts. This is equivalent to the 97th percentile or higher.

Causes

Tall stature can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, nutrition, and certain medical conditions. Some of the most common medical causes include Marfan syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and homocystinuria. Excessive production of growth hormone, as seen in gigantism and acromegaly, can also lead to tall stature.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tall stature involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as growth charting. Additional tests, such as genetic testing or hormone level measurements, may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment for tall stature depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In others, treatment may involve hormone therapy or surgery.

Related Terms

• Growth hormone
• Marfan syndrome
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Homocystinuria
• Gigantism
• Acromegaly

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Tall stature
• Wikipedia's article - Tall stature

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