Slight variability in anthropometric parameters but a significant delay in sexual maturation rating and decreased hormonal parameters in patients with delayed puberty

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was designed to compare anthropometric parameters, sexual maturation rating (SMR) and plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) levels in male delayed puberty patients and age matched healthy controls and determine whether a difference exists between these parameters before and after 18 years of age in delayed puberty patients. Methodology: Anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), bone age), SMR (penile length, testicular volume, pubic and facial hair stage) and plasma concentrations of FSH, LH and T were determined through respective ELISA in 37 sporadic delayed puberty male patients of 14-23 years and 55 age matched controls visiting Shifa International Hospitals Ltd., Islamabad, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Data were interpreted using Student’s t-test and ANOVA. Results: The height of delayed puberty patients was lower than controls from 14-17 years, whereas weight of delayed puberty patients was slightly more than controls from 17-23 years; most of patients were in over-weight category. Bone age of most of patients was slightly delayed than chronological age.