The correlation between height and assay parameters in children with short stature

Chuanwei Ban1,2, Juan Wang1,2, Qian Zeng1,2

  • 1Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.

Medicine
|May 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Short stature in children is linked to various factors. This study found significant correlations between height and insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, iron, and hemoglobin levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Growth hormone is crucial for pediatric height.
  • Short stature affects a significant number of children.
  • Identifying diagnostic markers for short stature is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the correlation between children's height and various assay findings.
  • To identify potential diagnostic markers for short stature in children.
  • To evaluate the relationship between height and parameters like hormones, vitamins, and minerals.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 2396 children diagnosed with short stature was analyzed.
  • Data included fundamental information and biochemical assay results.
  • Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to evaluate correlations between height and assay findings.

Main Results:

  • Height showed strong positive correlations with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3).
  • Moderate positive correlations were found with iron, hemoglobin, glucose, and sex hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone).
  • Weak correlation with zinc and a moderate negative correlation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D were observed; no significant correlation with lipid metabolism parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Height in children with short stature is significantly correlated with IGF-1, IGFBP-3, iron, hemoglobin, glucose, and sex hormones.
  • Parameters like iron, hemoglobin, and vitamin D may serve as accessible indicators for short stature.
  • These findings can assist parents in seeking timely medical evaluation for children with short stature.

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