Analysis of the distribution of adult height standard deviation scores in relation to prepubertal height standard deviation scores using longitudinal growth data—Investigation of the catch-up rates of children with short stature to attain normal adult height—

Using the longitudinal growth data of 13,809 individuals in Akita Prefecture, percentage distributions their adult height (AH) standard deviation scores (SDS) relation to prepubertal SDS were obtained. The AH increased with negative and decreased positive SDS, showing that a greater amount change was associated interval from mean. proportions who achieved normal stratified by as follows: 67.1%, group –2.5 < ≤ –2.0 SD, 46.0% –3.0 75.2% +2.0 +2.5 55.1% +3.0 SD. Of all participants short stature at prepuberty, 58.4%, 33.8%, 8.3%, 0% those –3.5 SD attained AH, respectively. On average, it is difficult for children attain AH.