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Reduction in pediatric growth hormone deficiency and increase in central precocious puberty diagnoses during COVID 19

Martina Peinkhofer1, Benedetta Bossini1, Arturo Penco1

  • 1University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|March 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced pediatric endocrine stimulation tests, particularly for growth hormone deficiency (GHD). However, diagnoses of central precocious puberty (CPP) increased, especially in girls, suggesting a link to lockdown conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Endocrine Disorders
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited research exists on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on pediatric endocrinology.
  • Previous studies focused on non-COVID-19 diseases, not the full scope of pediatric endocrine care.
  • This study addresses the gap by examining changes in pediatric endocrine stimulation tests.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric endocrine stimulation tests.
  • To compare the frequency and types of tests performed before and after the pandemic's onset.
  • To identify trends in diagnoses of specific endocrine conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study design.
  • Data collected on pediatric endocrine stimulation tests conducted in 2019 and 2020.
  • Analysis of test volumes and diagnostic outcomes in a tertiary care setting.

Main Results:

  • A 10% decrease in overall tests and an 8% decrease in evaluated children were observed in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Tests for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) decreased by 35%, leading to a 30% reduction in GHD diagnoses.
  • LHRH tests increased by 22%, correlating with a 38% rise in central precocious puberty (CPP) diagnoses, predominantly in females.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced GHD investigations and diagnoses.
  • A notable increase in CPP diagnoses among girls was observed, potentially linked to lockdown-related factors.
  • Increased screen time, social isolation, and anxiety during lockdowns may trigger CPP in children, necessitating vigilant monitoring of growth.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19Central precocious pubertyGrowth hormone deficiencyStimulation test

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