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Updated: May 24, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
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.
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.
Abstract:
It is known that growth hormone plays a major role in children's height. This research was conducted to explore the connection between children's height and other parameters for potential diagnostic markers in cases of short stature. Information was gathered from children diagnosed with short stature from our hospital, including fundamental data and assay findings, and was evaluated for the correlation between height and assay findings. The correlation between height and assay findings was evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient test. A total of 2396 children were included, with 61.4% being boys, who exhibited a higher prevalence across most age groups. The findings revealed moderate positive correlations between height and iron, hemoglobin, as well as a weak correlation with zinc (iron, r = 0.48, hemoglobin, r = 0.52, zinc, r = 0.29, P < .0001, respectively). Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was observed between height and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (r = -0.37, P < .0001). Height showed highly positive correlations with insulin-like growth factor-1 (r = 0.67, P < .0001) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 levels (r = 0.66, P < .0001), and moderate positive associations with sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone: r = 0.43, luteinizing hormone: r = 0.42; testosterone: r = 0.5, P < .0001, respectively). Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation was found between height and glucose (r = 0.41, P < .0001), while no significant correlation was observed between height and lipid metabolism parameters. In summary, short stature is a prevalent issue in our country. The research emphasized the correlation of height with insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, and other parameters, and a negligible correlation with lipid metabolism parameters. These findings can serve as valuable parameters for parents to seek medical attention for children exhibiting abnormal results.
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