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Increased perinatal intracranial pressure and brainstem dysfunction predict early puberty in boys with

Lemm A Proos1, Torsten Tuvemo, Gunnar Ahlsten

  • 1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Lemm.Proos@kbh.uu.se

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|May 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Boys with myelomeningocele (MMC) experiencing early or precocious puberty (E/PP) are often linked to perinatal increased intracranial pressure and early brainstem dysfunction. These factors are significant predictors of E/PP in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
  • Spina Bifida Research

Background:

  • Children with myelomeningocele (MMC) face a higher risk of developing early or precocious puberty (E/PP).
  • Understanding risk factors for E/PP in boys with MMC is crucial for timely intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • This study aimed to identify specific risk factors associated with E/PP in male patients diagnosed with MMC.
  • The research focused on pinpointing early life indicators that predict pubertal development abnormalities.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 boys treated for MMC between 1970 and 1992.
  • Medical records were reviewed to define E/PP (pubertal signs before 10 years 2 months/9 years) and assess perinatal increased intracranial pressure and early brainstem dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • Eight out of 38 boys (21%) were diagnosed with E/PP.
  • E/PP showed a strong association with both increased intracranial pressure perinatally and early brainstem dysfunction.
  • Multivariate regression identified early brainstem dysfunction as the most significant predictor of E/PP.

Conclusions:

  • Perinatal increased intracranial pressure and early-life brainstem dysfunction are identified as potent predictors of E/PP in boys with MMC.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring neurological and pressure-related factors in boys with MMC for early pubertal development issues.
Abstract

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