Short Stature

My son has been on Letrozole for a year to stop his bone plates from fusing.  Last year his bone age came in at that of a 14yr old.  We were told that the letrozole would stop the progression.  Just went for another bone age and it came back at almost 15.  What do we do? I am upset beyond words!  What do you think our options are?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details such as the indication for using letrozole/ delaying growth plate fusion, it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. Letrozole would not prevent and would just cause a delay on growth plate fusion, while the effect on the final height is still a controversial topic. Age determination by radiographs/ bone age is not dot specific and always has a range on +/-1-2 years, so a bone age of 15 at the age of 13.5 may not be something to worry about. I would suggest discussing the situation in detail with his treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!