Final height prediction models for pubertal boys

Accurate adult height prediction is of clinical importance in assessing the need for pharmacological intervention and in the evaluation of the outcome of therapy. The methods currently in use are subject to a wide range of error, one source of which is the use of bone age (BA) measurements. We have developed a computer model for predicting adult height in pubertal boys without using BA determinations. The model is based on the existing Infancy-Childhood-Puberty model and calculates the onset of the pubertal growth spurt. Predicted adult height was assessed using this new model and four others in a group of normal boys and in a group of short normal boys receiving growth hormone. Calculated final heights by all the methods were not significantly different. Incorporation of paternal height into the prediction equations increased the accuracy of the prediction. It was concluded that our new model is as accurate as existing methods of predicting final height that involve assessing BA.