Height distribution in children with Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is characterized by motor and vocal tics, frequently accompanied by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, coprolalia, aggressive or self-injurious behavior, and learning disabilities. We investigated the height distribution and clinical characteristics of 38 consecutive patients with Tourette syndrome. Seventeen patients with Tourette syndrome (44.7%) were in the lower height quartile versus 25% from a control group of 44 patients with ADHD (P <.05). The mean standard deviation score differential (patient height - [target height]) was -1.12 +/- 0.82 for patients in the first quartile (group A) compared with 0.42 +/- 0.63 in taller patients with Tourette syndrome (group B) (P < .001). The mean birthweight of boys in group A versus group B was 3023 +/- 351 g and 3363 +/- 486 g, respectively (P <.02); birthweight correlated with standard deviation score (r=.43). Current weight relative to height was normal. Conduct disorder and/or self-injurious behavior were more common in group A patients (P < .05). Relative short stature appears common in Tourette syndrome, and its presence with other features may implicate a neurotransmitter system that interacts with neuroendocrine pathways, controlling height.