Effects of growth reduction therapy using high-dose 17beta-estradiol in 26 constitutionally tall girls

The efficacy and safety of height-limiting therapy with high-dose 17beta-oestradiol in girls with constitutionally tall stature (CTS) are controversial. We evaluated the effectiveness of high-dose 17beta-oestradiol in premenarchal girls with CTS treated until their bone age reached 14 years.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the girls managed between 1989 and 2000 with high-dose 17beta-estradiol for CTS with a predicted final height greater than +3SDs.

Twenty-six girls met our inclusion criteria. At baseline, mean chronological age was 12.06 +/- 1.51 years and mean height was 171.1 +/- 6.5 cm with a height standard deviation score of 4.5 +/- 0.24, and mean predicted final height was 183.0 +/- 4.2 cm. Treatment was stopped when bone age reached 14 years; mean treatment duration was 1.62 +/- 0.76 years.

The following were obtained at 6-month intervals: height, body weight, Tanner stage, bone age, plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, plasma glucose and side effects. A mailed questionnaire on final height and satisfaction was sent 2 years after treatment discontinuation (response rate, 24/26). Results Final height was significantly (P < 0.001) reduced, by 2.4 +/- 3.2 cm, as compared to predictions. High-dose 17beta-estradiol therapy decreased growth velocity and significantly increased skeletal maturation (P < 0.001). Linear growth after treatment discontinuation was 3.3 +/- 1.9 cm. No serious side effects were recorded. Most of the patients were satisfied with the treatment.

High-dose 17beta-estradiol was moderately effective in reducing final height and should probably be reserved for selected patients, particularly as knowledge on potential long-term side effects is lacking.