PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH AMONG BOYS IN A SAMPLE OF LOCAL PAKISTANI POPULATION

Abstract

Objective. Few studies are available on the temporal sequence and effect of ethnicity, socioeconomic status and environment on pubertal changes leading to sexual maturation in boys; therefore, we describe normative values for developmental changes in physical and endocrine characteristics at onset and during progression of the pubertal process in a cohort of Pakistani boys. Design. This cross-sectional study involved 234 healthy, 8-18 years old, school-based boys. Methods. Body weight, height, appearance of pubic hair patterns and testicular volume (TV) along with serum FSH, LH, testosterone and GH levels were measured. Results. Pubarche was first recorded at a mean age of 11.3 years [Tanner stage 2]. TV of 3 ml and the first significant increase in mean serum FSH and LH levels were detected at 10 years of age. The mean percent increase in TV/year was maximal from 12-14 years, coinciding with rising testosterone levels. The levels of gonadotropins increased more than 2-fold between 12-14 years. Whereas, LH continued to increase in postpubertal boys and FSH levels plateaued at 15 years. GH concentrations were shown to be maximal at 12-13 years and declined thereafter to prepubertal values. However, BW and height were significantly correlated with age; yet no significant correlation was seen between body mass index (BMI) and age. Conclusion. The present data among boys indicates an earlier transition to the Tanner stage 2 and an increase in TV, resulting in a slightly more extended period of pubertal development, as compared to European and American children pointing to ethnic, social and economic differences.