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Pubertal abnormalities in adolescents with chronic disease
K T Kao1, M Denker2, M Zacharin3
1Department of Endocrinology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Pubertal disorders are common in adolescents with chronic disease, impacting growth and bone health. Early endocrine therapy and bone management are crucial for their well-being and development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Adolescent Medicine
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Pubertal disorders frequently affect adolescents with chronic diseases, including inflammatory conditions or those on long-term glucocorticoid therapy.
- Adolescents with disabilities also commonly experience pubertal issues and impaired skeletal development, sometimes leading to fragility fractures.
- Chronic inflammation, glucocorticoids, and poor nutrition negatively impact the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis and bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and impact of pubertal disorders in chronically ill adolescents.
- To emphasize the link between pubertal dysfunction, impaired skeletal development, and fragility fractures.
- To stress the importance of addressing pubertal and bone health issues in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and endocrine management strategies for pubertal disorders in chronically ill adolescents.
- Analysis of the effects of chronic inflammation, glucocorticoids, and nutrition on pubertal development and skeletal health.
- Discussion of the role of pediatric endocrinologists in managing these complex cases.
Main Results:
- Pubertal disorders are a significant concern in adolescents with chronic diseases, affecting hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis function.
- Impaired skeletal development and fragility fractures are associated risks in these adolescents.
- Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving endocrinologists, clinicians, patients, and families.
Conclusions:
- Addressing pubertal disorders is vital for normalizing development, promoting bone mass accrual, and ensuring linear growth in chronically ill adolescents.
- Integrated endocrine therapy for puberty and bone health is essential.
- Open communication among healthcare providers, adolescents, and families is key for successful treatment outcomes.
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