Update on pubertal development in France. PROSPEL - Observational study. Preliminary feasibility study

Recent publications report a decrease in the age of onset of pubertal changes in the United States and Europe. The PROSPEL study (PRemier Observatoire des Stades Pubertaire en Libéral) will provide the first French data on the age at which pubertal signs appear. Before considering this work at the national level, we wanted to assess its feasibility.

Private pediatricians and general practitioners were recruited in Bordeaux and Toulouse. Before participating in the study, they had been trained in pubertal assessment and then evaluated. Each physician completed 1-4 weeks of inclusion during which children aged 5-18 years seen in consultation were included, except children who were adopted or had a chronic condition. Pubertal stages were assessed according to Tanner's classification and using an orchidometer for testicular volume. The causes of non-realization were documented where appropriate. Inter-individual reproducibility was analyzed by a double examination for a number of children who had previously given their consent.

In total, 63 physicians participated in the study (35 pediatricians and 28 general practitioners). All were certified at the end of the training session. A total of 2646 children were included (1318 girls, 1328 boys) with a homogeneous age distribution. The study was carried out in 83.5% of cases. The main reason for non-realization was that physicians did not propose the study to patients who met the criteria (10.1%). Lack of time was the main reason. Inter-individual reproducibility was excellent.

Our results attest to the good feasibility of the PROSPEL study. They allowed us to validate our methodology, the training and certification of the participating physicians, and to consider extending the study to the national level.