Incidence study of precocious puberty in the population of the state of Goiás: did the COVID-19 pandemic modify the epidemiology?
CPP incidence increased significantly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Goiás, with patients showing more advanced features than those diagnosed before.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the gonadorelin (gnrh) corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the incidence and characteristics of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) in Goiás, Brazil, from 2018 to 2023, particularly before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 910 treatment requests were analyzed, revealing significant increases in incidence during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Patients initiated gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy at younger ages and exhibited more advanced pubertal development during these periods.
Abstract
<h4>Objective</h4>To evaluate the incidence and epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of Central Precocious Puberty (CPP) before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Goiás, Brazil.<h4>Method</h4>This retrospective, longitudinal, observational study with a quantitative approach was conducted in Goiás using administrative records of high-cost medication dispensing. All patients registered in the state dispensing center who initiated treatment between 2018 and 2023 were included. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM Corporation, Armonk, USA), version 26.0. Statistical significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05).<h4>Results</h4>A total of 910 CPP treatment requests were evaluated, including 153 before the pandemic, 390 during 2020-2021, and 367 during 2022-2023. This corresponded to increases of 154% and 140% during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods, respectively (p < 0.001). From 2020 onward, patients started gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy at younger ages (104.84 ± 12.52 vs. 107.17 ± 13.42 months; p = 0.027), but showed more advanced pubertal development, with higher Tanner stages (B/G stage 4: 15.9% and 21.4% vs. 8.6%; p = 0.035) and higher stimulated LH levels (22.39 ± 16.81 and 24.64 ± 22.13 vs. 19.87 ± 18.08 mIU/mL; p = 0.046).<h4>Conclusions</h4>CPP incidence increased significantly in Goiás during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients also presented more advanced clinical and laboratory features than those diagnosed before the pandemic.
Background
The paper addresses the clinical question of whether the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the incidence of precocious puberty in children. Prior studies have indicated fluctuations in various health metrics during pandemics, making this investigation relevant for understanding potential public health impacts. The study aims to provide data that could inform pediatric healthcare responses in the context of ongoing public health challenges.
Methods
Not reported in abstract.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
Not reported in abstract.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.