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The early growth of normal twins differs markedly from that of singletons. It is important to recognize that singleton reference values do not correctly reflect the growth of twins.

Documenting the spontaneous growth pattern of children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) should be helpful in evaluating the effects of growth promoting treatments. Growth curves for children with ISS were constructed, based on 229 untreated children (145 boys and 84 girls) from nine European countries. The children were subdivided according to target range and onset of puberty, and the growth of these subgroups was evaluated from standard deviation scores (SDS). At birth, children with ISS were already shorter than normal (means; boys -0.8 SDS, girls -1.3 SDS). Height slowly decreased from -1.7 SDS at the age of 2 years to -2.7 SDS at the age of 16 years in boys and 13 years in girls. Final height was -1.5 SDS in boys and -1.6 SDS in girls (mean (SD): boys 164.8 (6.1) cm, girls 152.7 (5.3) cm)), which was 5-6 cm below their target height. The onset of puberty was delayed (boys 13.8 (1.3) years, girls 12.9 (1.1) years). Subclassification resulted in similar growth curves. These specific growth data may be more suitable for evaluating the effects of growth promoting treatments than population based references.

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SUMMARY A longitudinal study through puberty of the height and weight of 96 boys and 102 girls in schools in and around the city of Leeds was conducted. Data for height and weight and height and weight velocities are presented, which are based on chronological age and on age relative to the age of peak height velocity. Comparison was made with the Tanner standards: male puberty developed a little later but growth continued longer, so that the adult men were taller and heavier. Girls showed a similar timing of puberty to the Tanner standards but were lighter at all ages and ultimately slightly taller as growth was not completed until later. It is important to know the pubertal state when interpreting growth changes in children.