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Precocious puberty at an endocrine centre in Jordan
B M Taher1, H K Ajlouni, H A Hamamy
1The National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Amman, Jordan.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Precocious puberty in children is often idiopathic in girls presenting later or with isolated breast development. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hypothyroidism are key treatable causes in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Limited data exists on precocious puberty in developing countries.
- Causes and treatment for precocious puberty can be costly and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the initial presentation and causes of precocious puberty in Jordanian children.
- To explore associations between clinical signs and the underlying etiology of precocious puberty.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 50 children (43 girls, 7 boys) diagnosed with precocious puberty between 1984-2003.
- Data collected from Jordan University Hospital and The National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics.
Main Results:
- Mean age of diagnosis was 4.1 years for girls and 2.4 years for boys.
- Idiopathic precocious puberty was more frequent in girls with isolated breast development (89%) and those presenting after age 6 (82%).
- Organic causes, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hypothyroidism, were identified in 42% of girls and all boys.
Conclusions:
- Precocious puberty in girls presenting with isolated breast development after age 6 is typically idiopathic.
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and hypothyroidism are significant, treatable causes of precocious puberty in the studied community.