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Alonso GF. Precocious puberty, pandemic and beyond. Pituitary 2024:10.1007/s11102-024-01434-8. [PMID: 39060817 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-024-01434-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
WHO declared SARS-COVID19 a pandemic in March 2020. Most governments declared health emergency states and implemented various measures. Since then, changes in the reasons for medical consultations were observed in healthcare institutions. Pediatric endocrinologists perceived an increase in the number of consultations related to early or accelerated CPP during the months following the lockdown that different governments had established. Several papers reported the increment in incidence in Central Precocious Puberty, especially in girls. Reports from different parts of the world highlighted a two to threefold rise in the number of cases of precocious puberty treated in Pediatric Endocrinology Centers. This trend of CPP incidence strongly suggests that changes in habits and the environment in which boys and girls were immersed during the lockdown, have played a significant role in triggering the early onset of the gonadotrophic axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo F Alonso
- Pediatric Endocrinology Section, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Li W, Feng L, Song P, Wang L, Zhang S, Li W, Zhu D, Du Y, Leng J. Joint association of overweight/obesity, high electronic screen time, and low physical activity time with early pubertal development in girls: a case-control study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10541. [PMID: 38719835 PMCID: PMC11078933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To examine the joint association of electronic screen time (EST), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time (MVPA) and overweight/obesity with early pubertal development (EPD) in girls. A case-control study of 177 EPD girls and 354 girls with normal pubertal development was conducted between October 2019 and August 2022. Overweight/obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 85th percentiles for age and sex. We found a non-significant increase of EPD risk among girls with high EST alone [OR: 2.75 (0.65-11.58)] or low MVPA alone [OR: 2.54 (0.74-8.69)], but a significant increase of EPD risk among girls with overweight/obesity alone [OR: 4.91 (1.01-23.92)], compared to girls without any of the three risk factors (low MVPA, high EST and overweight/obesity). Girls with any two of the three risk factors faced increased risk of EPD, and girls with all three risk factors faced the highest risk of EPD [OR and 95% CI: 26.10 (6.40-106.45)]. Being overweight/obesity might be more important than having low MVPA or high EST as a correlate of EPD compared to girls without any of the three risk factors, but the co-presence of low MVPA, high EST and overweight/obesity would largely increase the risk of EPD in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqin Li
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Lingyan Feng
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Panpan Song
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Leishen Wang
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Wei Li
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 10 Poyang Lake Road, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Yuexin Du
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Junhong Leng
- Tianjin Women and Children's Health Center, 96 Guizhou Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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Hoskyns RB, Howard SR. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of central precocious puberty; a narrative review. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2024; 37:102-109. [PMID: 38097507 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2023-0507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is the premature activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in the early development of secondary sexual characteristics. CPP classically occurs before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. The aetiology of this precocious onset of puberty is governed by complex mechanistic interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The rates of CPP have been documented to have been rising before the COVID-19 pandemic; despite this, the incidence of CPP has increased exponentially since the start of the pandemic. There are multiple theories potentially explaining this change in incidence of CPP over COVID-19. These include the direct effect of SARS-coV-2 infection, increasing body mass index of adolescents over sequential lockdowns, changes in sleep patterns, increased use of electronic devices and levels of stress, and additionally potential earlier detection of signs of CPP by parents and carers. Whilst there is evidence from observational cohorts, case studies and animal models for each of these factors, it is difficult to definitively prove which has had the greatest impact due to the mainly retrospective nature of the human research that has been conducted. Moreover, studies set in diverse settings with varying population make comparison complex. Additionally, each country responded differently to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns varied between locations, hence the effect of lockdown was not equal or universal. Despite this, similar trends have been identified, with various lifestyle changes that occurred over the pandemic being potentially influential factors on the development of CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Hoskyns
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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Leong A, Vasanwala RF. Early Puberty Trend during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Singapore: A Retrospective Review in a Single Tertiary Centre. J ASEAN Fed Endocr Soc 2024; 39:6-11. [PMID: 38863916 PMCID: PMC11163325 DOI: 10.15605/jafes.039.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to study the trend of referrals for precocious puberty during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-COVID years, explore the differences in the demographic and clinical features, and evaluate the contributing factors. Methodology The cases referred for assessment of PP from 2018-2021 to our endocrine centre were grouped into pre-COVID (2018-2019) and COVID (2020-2021) years. Cases fulfilling the diagnosis of PP included the onset of thelarche <8 years in females and 4 ml testicular volume <9 years in males. The PP was further differentiated as Isolated Thelarche (IST) and Central Precocious Puberty (CPP). Early menarche was defined as menarche <10 years old. Results There were more referrals for PP and more diagnosed as CPP during the COVID-19 pandemic, predominantly among females. There were more endocrine tests done and more cases received treatment. None of the abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pituitary findings required surgical intervention. The body mass index (BMI) was found to be positively associated with the risk of getting CPP with a crude-odd ratio (COR) of 1.8, P <0.001, and early menarche (COR 2.1, P <0.001). Conclusion We found a significant increase in the referrals of PP and diagnosis of CPP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher BMI was found to be associated with CPP and early menarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Leong
- Department of Paediatrics, Endocrine Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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Zevin EL, Eugster EA. Central precocious puberty: a review of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2023; 7:886-896. [PMID: 37973253 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) refers to early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and is manifested by breast development in girls or testicular enlargement in boys before the normal physiological age ranges. CPP can be precipitated by intracranial pathology, exposure to high levels of sex steroids, or environmental risk factors, but most cases are idiopathic. Monogenic causes have also been identified. In this Review, we summarise pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of CPP. Concern for CPP should prompt referral to paediatric endocrinology where diagnosis is confirmed by clinical, biochemical, radiological, and genetic testing. CPP is treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, the primary aims of which are to increase adult height and postpone development of secondary sexual characteristics to an age that is more commensurate with peers. Although long-term outcomes of treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues are reassuring, additional research on the psychological effect of CPP is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Zevin
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Erica A Eugster
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Calcaterra V, Tagi VM, De Santis R, Biuso A, Taranto S, D’Auria E, Zuccotti G. Endocrinological Involvement in Children and Adolescents Affected by COVID-19: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5248. [PMID: 37629291 PMCID: PMC10455095 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the advent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, an increased incidence of several endocrinological anomalies in acute-phase and/or long-term complications has been described. The aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of the available literature regarding changes in the worldwide epidemiology of endocrinological involvement in children since December 2019 and to report the evidence supporting its association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although little is known regarding the involvement of endocrine organs during COVID-19 in children, the current evidence in adults and epidemiological studies on the pediatric population suggest the presence of a causal association between the virus and endocrinopathies. Untreated transient thyroid dysfunction, sick euthyroid syndrome, nonthyroidal illness syndrome, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and central precocious puberty have been observed in children in acute infection and/or during multisystem inflammatory syndrome development. Furthermore, a higher frequency of ketoacidosis at onset in children with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is reported in the literature. Although the direct association between COVID-19 and endocrinological involvement has not been confirmed yet, data on the development of different endocrinopathies in children, both during acute infection and as a result of its long-term complications, have been reported. This information is of primary importance to guide the management of patients with previous or current COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Veronica Maria Tagi
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Raffaella De Santis
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Andrea Biuso
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Silvia Taranto
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Enza D’Auria
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Vittore Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy; (V.M.T.); (R.D.S.); (A.B.); (S.T.); (E.D.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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