Aromatase inhibitors for short stature in male children and adolescents

Abstract

Aromatase inhibitors are orally administered drugs that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Estrogens have an important role in growth plate maturation and epiphyseal closure. Thus, aromatase inhibitors have been used to improve final height in male children and adolescents by delaying skeletal maturation through a decrease in estradiol concentration. The results of a Cochrane systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of short stature in children are summarized below.