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Plasma albumin, parasitic infection and pubertal development in Egyptian boys

T J Cole, S I Salem, A S Hafez

    Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
    |January 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Parasites and low albumin levels significantly delay puberty onset in Egyptian boys. Lower weight and delayed pubertal development were observed in children with these conditions, highlighting albumin

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Endocrinology
    • Nutritional Biochemistry
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Pubertal development is a critical period influenced by nutrition and health.
    • Parasitic infections are prevalent in some regions, potentially impacting child development.
    • Albumin levels reflect nutritional status and overall health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between pubertal staging, albumin concentration, and parasitic infections in Egyptian boys.
    • To determine if nutritional status (albumin) and infection influence the timing of puberty.

    Main Methods:

    • Assessed pubertal stage in 453 Egyptian boys (ages 9-17).
    • Measured weight and serum albumin concentrations.
    • Identified parasites in stool samples.

    Main Results:

    • Mean age of pubertal development was significantly delayed in boys with low albumin or parasites.
    • The delay was most pronounced in genital stage 2.
    • Lower body weight was associated with reduced albumin or presence of parasites.
    • Positive correlation between weight and albumin in same-aged children (P < 0.001).

    Conclusions:

    • Low albumin levels and parasitic infections are associated with delayed puberty in Egyptian boys.
    • Albumin status appears to play a role in the timing of pubertal development.
    • These findings underscore the importance of nutritional status and infection control for healthy adolescent development.

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