Ml In Boys Research Articles

Thyroid volume in Turkish school-age children living in an iodine-sufficient region.

We aimed to obtain local normative data on thyroid volume evaluated by ultrasonography and iodine status by measuring urine iodine levels in school-age children living in Aydın province. In this cross-sectional study, a sample comprising 1,553 cases was meticulously selected from a total cohort of 170,461 children aged 6-17, drawn from 21 distinct educational institutions located within the Aydın region, as participants in the investigation. Those with a known chronic disease or thyroid disease were excluded from the study. The children underwent physical examinations and ultrasonography imaging of the thyroid gland, and urine samples were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC). The median UIC was 189.5 (IQR=134.4) μg/L, which was optimal according to WHO criteria. Thyroid volume was found to be 4.6 (IQR=3.5) mL in girls and 4.2 (IQR=4.0) mL in boys (p=0.883). The thyroid volumes in our study were found to be smaller when compared to the WHO. According to WHO age and body surface area criteria, thyroid volume was over 97 % in 0.9 % (n=15) of cases. Thyroid volume was found to have a positive correlation with age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) in both genders (p<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between thyroid volume and UIC. This cross-sectional study provides normative data on thyroid volume and iodine status in school-age children in iodine-sufficient population, revealing a low prevalence of goiter and correlations between thyroid volume and anthropometric measures.

Measures of Brain Connectivity and Cognition by Sex in US Children

The neurobiological underpinnings underlying sex differences in cognition during adolescence are largely unknown. To examine sex differences in brain circuitry and their association with cognitive performance in US children. This cross-sectional study analyzed behavioral and imaging data from 9- to 11-year-old children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study between August 2017 and November 2018. The ABCD study is an open-science, multisite study following up more than 11 800 youths into early adulthood for 10 years with annual laboratory-based assessments and biennial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The selection of ABCD study children for the current analysis was based on the availability of functional and structural MRI data sets in ABCD Brain Imaging Data Structure Community Collection format. Five hundred and sixty participants who had excessive level of head motion (>50% of time points with framewise displacement >0.5 mm) during resting-state functional MRI were excluded from the analyses. Data were analyzed between January and August 2022. The main outcomes were the sex differences in (A) global functional connectivity density at rest and (B) mean water diffusivity (MD) and (C) the correlation of these metrics with total cognitive scores. A total of 8961 children (4604 boys and 4357 girls; mean [SD] age, 9.92 [0.62] years) were included in this analysis. Girls had higher functional connectivity density in default mode network hubs than boys, predominantly in the posterior cingulate cortex (Cohen d = -0.36), and lower MD and transverse diffusivity, predominantly in the superior corticostriatal white matter bundle (Cohen d = 0.3). Age-corrected fluid and total composite scores were higher for girls than for boys (Cohen d = -0.08 [fluid] and -0.04 [total]; P = 2.7 × 10-5). Although total mean (SD) brain volume (1260 [104] mL in boys and 1160 [95] mL in girls; t = 50; Cohen d = 1.0; df = 8738) and the proportion of white matter (d = 0.4) were larger for boys than for girls, the proportion of gray matter was larger for girls than for boys (d = -0.3; P = 2.2 × 10-16). The findings of this cross-sectional study on sex differences in brain connectivity and cognition are relevant to the future creation of brain developmental trajectory charts to monitor for deviations associated with impairments in cognition or behavior, including those due to psychiatric or neurological disorders. They could also serve as a framework for studies investigating the differential contribution of biological vs social or cultural factors in the neurodevelopmental trajectories of girls and boys.

Cohort Profile: The Xiamen Pubertal Growth Cohort Longitudinal Study

This cohort was set up to capture pubertal onset among children in China and to analyze how timing of pubertal onset would influence cardiovascular disease risk in later life. Pubertal onset was defined as secondary sexual characteristics (SSC) attained Tanner II stage, which was breast development for girls and testis of 4 mL for boys. Meanwhile, height growth spurt, defined as age of take-off and age of peak height velocity, were also involved to observe the consistency between the three indicators in discriminating pubertal onset. The study was conducted in Xiamen, China from November 2017 to November 2020 with 6-month gaps. One thousand, four hundred and sixteen children from four project schools who had not yet started puberty were involved at baseline. By November 2020, 1272 children were still under follow-up, with 945 (74.3%) of them reaching Tanner II stage. We would continue to follow the pubertal development, as well as change in crucial risk factors for cardiovascular disease in these participants. Evidence from the present cohort study would help to reveal the influence of pubertal growth on long-term cardiovascular health and would be one of the very first studies to provide such evidence from Asian countries.

Evaluation of incidental pelvic fluid in relation to physiological changes in healthy pubescent children using pelvic magnetic resonance imaging.

Peritoneal free fluid can indicate an underlying disease process; however detection of minimal peritoneal free fluid in healthy children is not uncommon. To assess the significance of incidental peritoneal free fluid within healthy children by MRI and its relation to physiological changes during puberty. This prospective study was performed on 32 healthy volunteers (20 boys) between the ages of 8years and 13years, with consecutive follow-ups every 8-10months for an average of 3years. Body mass index (BMI) z-score, pubertal status, C-reactive protein and sex hormone concentrations were assessed prior to MRI studies. We reviewed a total of 120 pelvic MRI studies (61 boys) and measured the quantity of peritoneal free fluid. For statistical analysis we used linear mixed-model accounting for within-patient correlations. The mean ± standard deviation volume of peritoneal free fluid was 4.7±5.7mL in girls and 1.9±3.1mL in boys, with a maximum volume of 25mL and 17mL, respectively. The prevalence of peritoneal free fluid was significantly higher in girls (91%) compared to boys (67%; P=0.0035). In 15% of the girls and 3% of the boys the fluid was greater than 10mL. The mean volume of peritoneal free fluid in the fourth stage of puberty was higher and significantly different from the mean volume in the first stage of puberty (P=0.01). Among healthy pubescent children, the prevalence of peritoneal free fluid is significantly higher in girls. The volume of peritoneal free fluid can reach volumes greater than 10mL during normal puberty, especially in the fourth stage, and can be assumed normal in the absence of active disease.

Vegetables and lean proteins–based and processed meats and refined grains –based dietary patterns in early childhood are associated with pubertal timing in a sex-specific manner: a prospective study of children from Mexico City

Childhood diet has been implicated in timing of sexual maturation. A key limitation of published studies is the focus on individual foods rather than patterns. We hypothesized that dietary patterns characterized by fruits and vegetables during early childhood (age 3 years) would be associated with delayed pubertal timing, whereas energy-dense and meat-based dietary patterns would relate to earlier puberty. The study population included 496 participants of a Mexico City birth cohort. The exposures of interest were dietary patterns derived from principal component analysis of dietary data collected via a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire when the children were 3 years of age, and the outcomes were physician-assessed Tanner stages for pubic hair, breast (girls), genitalia, and testicular volume (boys) between 9 and 18 years, and initiation of menarche (girls). In regression analyses, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for having reached Tanner stage ≥4 or initiation of menarche in girls and testicular volume ≥15 mL in boys. Among girls, those in the highest vs lowest tertile of vegetables and lean proteins pattern had a 35% (95% confidence interval 3%-67%) lower adjusted probability of having reached breast stage ≥4. Among boys, the processed meats and refined grain pattern score was associated with more advanced testicular development (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.58 [0.62-6.53]). Early childhood dietary patterns may play a role in the tempo of sexual maturation, which could ultimately carry implications for chronic disease susceptibility.

Normative Data of Thyroid Gland Volume in South Indian Neonates and Infants.

To establish normative ultrasound data for thyroid gland volume in South Indian neonates and infants and compare with abnormal sonological features of thyroid in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) to explore thyroid ultrasound utility as a supportive screening tool to newborn screening programs for early detection of CH. In view of impact of geo ethnic factors, varying growth velocities and body mass indices of human population worldwide, specific regional, age and gender related reference data for thyroid gland size and volume are vital. This study was an offshoot of ICMR pilot New Born Screening (NBS) project for CH. Formula used for thyroid volume estimation was ellipsoidal formula D1 x D2 x D3 × 0.523. It was a prospective observational study. The neonates who screened negative for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with repeat normal serum TSH and free thyroxine were selected. One hundred fifty seven infants were enrolled which included 99 boys and 58 girls. The study population included children in age groups from 3 d to 1 y six months. Data analysis was done by descriptive method and unpaired t test. Mean thyroid volume was 0.26ml with 0.27ml in boys and 0.24ml in girls. Statistically significant "p value" was noted in single lobe measurements among boys and girls. Thyroid gland volume normative data play a key role in evaluation of thyroid sonological abnormalities in CH and there is effective utility of ultrasound as a supportive diagnostic and prognostic screening tool for early detection of CH.

Usefulness of ACTH stimulation in the differential diagnosis of precocious pubarche

Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients with PP starting after 2 years of age, who underwent ACTH stimulation test, between November 1998-March 2013. The diagnosis of NCCAH was made based on a value of 17-OHP 60’ ≥10ng/ml and the diagnosis of IPP was based on a value 4ml in boys). Spearman’s correlation and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. We considered a level of significance of 0,05.

Determination of adrenal volume by MRI in healthy children: associations with age, body size, pubertal stage and serum levels of adrenal androgens

Adrenal disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia result in abnormal adrenal size and morphology, but little is known about the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining adrenal volume. To evaluate the potential usefulness of MR methodology, to estimate adrenal size in healthy children and to evaluate determinants of adrenal volume such as age, gender, body size, pubic hair stage and serum levels of adrenal androgens. Two hundred and thirty-five healthy children (116 girls and 119 boys) (age range 10.0-14.8 years) were examined by MRI. Clinical examinations (anthropometry and pubertal staging) were performed, and five androgen metabolites were measured in blood samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It was possible to determine adrenal volume in 115/235 children using MRI. The adrenals were not measurable in 51% of children due to breathing and moving artefacts. The median volume of the right adrenal gland was 0.46 ml in girls and 0.46 ml in boys. The median volume of the left adrenal gland was 0.34 ml in girls and 0.40 ml in boys. Adrenal size was positively associated with body surface area (estimate B = 0.34 ml/year, P = 0.03), age (estimate B = 0.05 ml/year, P = 0.021) and pubic hair stage (estimate B = 0.05 ml/stage, P = 0.075). No associations between adrenal size and serum levels of adrenal androgens were observed. It was possible to determine adrenal volume by MRI in only 50% of healthy children aged 10-15 years. Adrenal volume increased with age and Tanner stage of pubic hair. Future studies will unravel whether adrenal MRI is useful when evaluating children with adrenal diseases.

Gender Differences of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particle and Ozone in Lung Function Growth.

Background: There are only a limited number of studies on the association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants and lung function growth among children, which, nevertheless, leave inconclusive results. Aim: To assess the effect of air pollutants on lung function growth. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 3,207 Taiwanese children aged 12 at baseline followed from October 1, 2007 through November 31, 2009. The final study population comprised 2,941 non-smoking children who completed lung function tests at both baseline and follow-up surveys. We applied spatial modeling for individual-level exposure assessment to clarify the role of potential community-level confounding. The exposure parameters were yearly average and calculated from the 24-hour PM2.5, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM 8-hour O3 corresponding to residential address over the 2-year follow-up period. The effect estimates were presented as annul deficit of lung function growth per interquartile ranges (IQR) for PM2.5 and O3. Results: In a multiple linear regression adjusting for confounding, deficits in FVC, FEV1, and MMEF growth were associated with exposure to PM2.5 and O3. The annual deficits in FVC of 75 ml in boys and 61 ml in girls increased with an IQR PM2.5 (17.92 ?g/m3), and annual deficits in FVC of 54 ml in boys and 40 ml in girls increased with an IQR O3 (3.59 ppb). Similar associations were found in FEV1, and MMEF growth. Conclusions: The study provides evidence that long-term exposure to PM2.5 and O3 may increase the risk of deficit in FVC, FEV1, and MMEF growth among Taiwanese children, especially among boys.

KEBIASAAN KONSUMSI MINUMAN DAN ASUPAN CAIRAN PADA ANAK USIA SEKOLAH DI PERKOTAAN

The study objectives were to analyze the food and beverages contribution to the total fluid intake, and the sign of mild dehydration of school age children. The cross-sectional study was applied to 78 boys and 78 girls of elementary school students in Bogor City. Two days food recall was applied to estimate fluid intake. The fluid intake was a summation of various food and beverages. The result showed beside of plain water, most of the school children used to consumed milk and tea (&amp;gt;70%) at home. The total fluid intake was 2283 mL for boys and 2024 mL for girls, and its contribution was 21 percent from food (430-490 mL) and 78 percent from beverages (1600-1800 mL). There are 67.4 percent boys and 62.8 percent girls suffered mild dehydration with minimum three physical signs of dehydration. There are still 18.6 percent boys and 3.5 percent girls that their fluid intake below 100% of the requirement.

Kebiasaan minum dan asupan cairan remaja di perkotaan

Background: Human body requires water for the active and healthy life. Water is actually a nutrient, and there is a tendency that some people neglect its important roles for health. Water requirements can vary depends on physical activity, age groups, body weight, climate, and diet (energy intake).Objective: The study aimed to identify drinking habits and to assess water intake and its adequacy of teenagers in urban.Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2009 in high school SMAN 2 Bogor. The samples were healthy student at grade X and XI. The number of sample was 83 students which calculated based on mean estimation. Food and beverages consumption was assessed with 2 x 24 hours recall during a week-day and a week-end. Meanwhile, the last week drinking habits was collected by interviewed. Statistical analysis used here was independent t-test.Results: The average of water intake was 2582 ± 834 ml, whereas 2939 ± 922 ml for boys and 2250 ± 581 ml for girls. The total water intake was from solid foods (656 ± 265 ml) and beverages (1927 ± 704 ml). The contribution of drinking water to the total water intake was 51% for boys (1495 ml) and 58% for girls (1311 ml). The average water adequacy was 132% for boys and 111% for girls.Conclusion: The average of water intake was consider adequate in teenagers, however there was still 24.1% of them consumed less than 90% of water adequacy.

Effect Of Palatability On Rehydration In Chinese Children Exercising In The Heat

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of palatability on voluntary drinking and thermoregulatory responses between Chinese boys and girls exercising intermittently at 30° ambient temperatures METHODS: After a standard breakfast and drink, seven boys and seven girls aged 9-11 years old rested for 2 hours before completing a 3-hour exercise session, which included four 20 minutes walking bouts on treadmill at 50% VO2max followed by 25 minutes rest, in four different beverage conditions in a Latin-square sequence: unflavored water (W), orange-flavored water (OF), lemon-flavored water (LF), or grape-flavored water (GF). Drinking was ad libitum. Nude body weight, heart rate, aural and skin temperatures, perceived environmental thermal condition, abdominal discomfort, perceived thirst and rating of perceived exertion were monitored periodically. Blood samples were also collected for analysis after the fourth exercise bout of the main trial. RESULTS: Total fluid intake was 441±114, 493±106, 387±83, 568±146ml for boys and 613±131, 923±204, 825±157, 790±166 ml for girls in W, OF, LF, GF respectively. There was no difference in the total fluid intake between boys and girls among the four drinks. The body weight loss among four drinks was similar and fluid balance was maintained at the end of each trial between boys and girls. No differences were observed in the physiological perceptual variables among trials and between genders. Furthermore, the results of the perception of taste test were similar for boys and girls among the four flavored drinks. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese boys and girls exercising intermittently at high ambient temperatures can maintain their body fluid balance and avoid hyperthermia by ad libitum drinking. The palatability of the drinks in this study did not limit the voluntary fluid intake of the children.

Recombinant human growth hormone treatment in short children with renal disease: Our first experience

Growth retardation is a hallmark of chronic illnesses such as chronic kidney disease in children, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The growth hormone (GH) resistance observed in uraemia can be overcome by supraphysiological doses of exogenous GH. We would like to present our first results of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment, mainly in children on haemodialysis. Sixteen children, aged 4.5-17.1 years (mean age 11.25 +/- 3.57) with height below -2.0 standard deviation score (SDS) for age or height velocity below -2.0 SDS for age, were selected to receive rhGH therapy at our Nephrology and Haemodialysis Department. Most of them were on haemodialysis (14 children) with mean spent time 2.88 +/- 2.68 years (0-9 years) before the initiation of rhGH therapy. One half of patients were prepubertal (8 children) and the second half were in early puberty (testicular volume between 4 and 8 ml for boys and breast development B2 or B3 in girls). All patients received 28-30 IU/m2 rhGH per week by daily subcutaneous injection. The year before rhGH therapy served as a control period. During the first year of treatment, mean height velocity in haemodialysis patients increased from 2.25 cm/year to 6.59 cm/year (p < 0.0001) and in the second year it was 5.25 cm/ year (p = 0.004). The mean height SDS in haemodialysis children did not improve significantly during the first year of rhGH treatment (from -3.01 SDS to -2.77 SDS, p = 0.063). Neither weight nor the body mass index varied compared with the pretreatment period. Two patients developed worsened secondary hyperparathyroidism and were excluded from the study, but the relationship with rhGH remains uncertain. Mean height velocity significantly improved during rhGH therapy in haemodialysis patients. No significant side-effects were observed in children during three-year treatment with GH.

Total Daily Water Intake in Guatemalan Children

Water is an essential nutrient, but recommendations for total water requirements only emerged in 2005, in the context of estimated average population targets in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for US and Canadian societies. To assess total daily water acquisition, and the contribution of water acquired from all possible sources, among Guatemalan children. A total of 449 urban Guatemalan schoolchildren, aged 8 to 11 years, evenly divided between two socioeconomic strata, completed a 1-day pictorial registry of all foods and beverages consumed. Estimated energy intake, total water intake, and the contributions of water from drinking water, beverages, intrinsic and extrinsic water in foods, and the oxidation of macronutrients were assessed. The contribution of water from the examined water sources was 8% for drinking water, 49% for beverages, 29% for all foods, and 14% for metabolism of macronutrients, with only slight variance across sexes and social class. The average total daily water acquisition was 1,841 +/- 572 mL for boys and 1,834 +/- 484 mL for girls, which fall short of the North American DRI recommendations of 2.4 and 2.1 L, respectively There was correspondingly lower average consumption of dietary liquids. Foods play an important role in the acquisition of water from their hydration and metabolic oxidation, contributing 43.8% of the daily supply to these children. There is still a calculated shortfall of daily water acquisition, as compared with the DRI recommendations, which could be overcome by greater intake of plain water and low-energy fresh produce.

Water: consumption; total water sources; and adequacy in terms of the recommended daily intakes in one‐day diet records of urban Guatemalan schoolchildren

BackgroundThe US. Institute of Medicine developed DRIs for total daily water in 2005. Lack of specifying drinking water intake in most dietary surveys limits using this reference in population studies.AimTo quantify Total Daily Water Acquisition (TDWA) and its various individual and composite components.MethodsA field dietary survey in 449 3rd and 4th graders in Quetzaltenango, was conducted using 1‐d pictorial registries of all beverages and foods consumed over a 24‐h period. A nutrient database for 247 food and beverages items was created. All water sources, including plain, in beverages, and in foods (=Total Water Intake {TWI} of the 2005 DRI) were combined. Additionally, metabolic water (from the oxidation of macronutrients) was added for the TDWA calculation. Gender‐specific reference values for Adequate Intake of TWI for 9‐11 y/o children were used.Results28% of children consumed plain water; the average intake in this subgroup was 491±350 mL. Mean TWI was 1574±429 mL for girls and 1571±519 mL for boys, compared to the respective DRI AIs of 2100 and 2400 mL. Partitioned across the whole sample, the percent contributions to TDWA were: 6.9% plain water; 49.4%, beverages; 29.1%, foods; and 14.7%, metabolic water.ConclusionDaily water acquisition in these children was low, in part due to low participation in drinking plain water.Funded in part by Sight &amp; Life, Basel and Nestlé Waters Co, Paris

Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollutants in Teenagers Residing in Mexico City

ISEE-825 Objective: To evaluate the association between long-term exposure to ozone (O3), particulate matter <10 μm in diameter (PM10), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and lung function growth in Mexico City teenagers. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 829 healthy middle schoolchildren residing in Mexico City, aged 12 to 15 years, was evaluated every 6 months, from January 2000 to June 2002. Spirometric tests, following American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards, and a risk factor questionnaire were applied at each evaluation. The associations between lung function and exposure to air pollutants (O3, PM10, and NO2) measured in the 6 months before the spirometry, adjusting by short-term air pollutant exposure, were evaluated using general linear mixed models. Results: Significant deficits in lung function growth rate were associated with exposure to O3, PM10, and NO2 in 1-pollutant models. Each 10 ppb increase in 8-hour mean ozone levels averaged over the last 6 months was associated with 6-months deficits in FEV1of 19 (95% CI: −30 to −8) mL in girls and 25 (95% CI: −37 to −13) mL in boys. For PM10, every 10 g/m3 increase in 24-hour average levels over the last 6 months produced 6-months deficits: in FEV1 of 28 (95% CI: −34 to −23) mL in girls and 39 (95% CI: −46 to −33) mL in boys. For NO2, every 10 ppb change in 24-h average levels over the last 6 months was associated with 6-months in FEV1 of 44 (95% CI: −56 to −31) mL in girls and 64 (95% CI: −79 to −48) mL in boys. Conclusions: Chronic exposure of ozone, PM10, and NO2 were associated with a deficit in lung function growth among these healthy adolescents residing in Mexico City.

Hypogonadism in Thalassemia Major.

Thalassemia is one of the commonest hereditary hemolytic anemia. 3% to 17% of the population in Indian subcontinent carries beta thalassemia gene. Every year about 100,000 children are born with thalassemia major in the world. Out of these 8000 to10,000 are born in India. With the introduction of moderate -transfusion programs and chelation therapy with subcutaneous desferrioxamine and/or Deferiprone, survival of patients with thalassemia major has greatly improved. The need for repeated transfusions in thalassemics, leads to deposition of iron in different tissues, which in turn leads to damage and dysfunction of various organs. If chelation is sub optimal, this can lead to delayed puberty/ arrested puberty or hypogonadism in these subjects. Absence of sexual characteristics in girls till the age of 13 years and a testicular volume<4ml in boys till the age of 14 years is defined as delayed puberty. Arrested puberty is the non-progression of puberty for a period of 12 months and complete absence of puberty is known as hypogonadism. Hypogonadism also results in worsening of the bone mineral density, since sex steroids are also responsible for bone mineralization. Delayed puberty /hypogonadism is usually due to deposition of iron in the anterior pituitary gland since even moderate amount of iron deposition can affect this gland. Other factors that are responsible for delay in puberty are chronic anemia and delayed bone age. The gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females) are usually healthy with no significant iron deposition. All patients with Thalassemia major enrolled at our center are assessed for their pubertal status at every visit. The purpose of this study was to see the effect of beta thalassemia major on the onset and progression of puberty and its relation to chelation. A retrospective analysis of our case records of children and young adults between the age of 16 to 25 years was done. A diagnosis of hypogonadism was made on the basis of clinical assessment of puberty by a pediatric endocrinologist, levels of LH, FSH and testosterone in males and estradiol in females. Constitutional delay of puberty was ruled out before the laboratory evaluation.76 subjects in this group, of which 47 (62%) were males and 29 (38%) were females, had been assessed for their pubertal status at the Thalassemia endocrinology clinic. These patients were on moderate -transfusion regimen, maintaining a hemoglobin concentration of 8- 9 gm %. Most were on chelation with desferrioxamine or deferiperone or both, but compliance was not good in many patients. Average serum ferritin levels were calculated by averaging the ferritin levels over the last 5 years. Puberty was staged according to Tanner's stages of puberty. 39 of the 76 patients (51%) had normal onset of puberty i.e. before 13 years in females and 14 years in males. 28/47 (59.6%) males and 11/29 (37.9%) females had normal onset of puberty. Average mean serum ferritin for the group with normal puberty was 4127 ng/ml (976–7484ng/ml).37 of the 76 (49%) patients had hypogonadism. 18/29 (62%) females and 19/47 (40.4%) males were affected. Mean S. ferritin for this group was 5234 ng/ml (Range 1248–10900). In conclusion 51% of our patients had hypogonadism which did not correlate with the serum ferritin levels. It is possible that the anterior pituitary gland may be sensitive to lower ferritin levels. Age of onset of chelation and the effects of the 2 drugs used for chelation may indirectly affect puberty. These factors are currently being evaluated in our study subjects.

Puberty onset in Northern Italy: A random sample of 3597 Italian children

Entering puberty is one of the most important milestones in life. Studies from around the world have shown that age of pubertal changes onset can vary with race and ethnicity, environmental conditions, geographical location and nutrition. In the last century, the onset of puberty progressively shifted back towards younger ages in several European countries, with a levelling off in the last decades. The aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of secondary sexual characteristics in a group of children living in Northern Italy comparing them with the percentile values published by Tanner in 1976. We enrolled 3496 children drawn from public schools and evaluated height, weight and pubertal stages. The analysis of our data evidenced that the 50th percentile age of puberty onset in both sexes decreased by about 1 yr compared to data published by Tanner. Mean body mass index (BMI) z-score was significantly higher (p = 0.01) in pubertal than in pre-pubertal girls, on the contrary it was higher (p = 0.005) in pre-pubertal than in pubertal boys. In conclusion, our study found that girls and boys of our region are beginning pubertal development about 1 yr earlier than Tanner's British population. Taking into consideration the 3rd percentile age for Tanner's breast stage 2 in girls and testicular volume (TV) of 4 ml in boys, the current internationally used cut-off age for precocious puberty, i.e. 8 yr for girls and 9 yr for boys, can be maintained in our population.

Determinants of Thyroid Volume in Schoolchildren: Fat-Free Mass Versus Body Fat Mass—A Cross-Sectional Study

To investigate the relationship between thyroid volume and body composition in schoolchildren 11 to 15 years of age. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 126 girls and 86 boys who were living in an urban area and receiving iodine supplementation. The medical history was reviewed. Weight, height, body fat, fat-free mass, and total body water were measured by using a tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Body mass index and body surface area were calculated. Iodine excretion was measured in a morning urine sample by spectrophotometry. Thyroid volume was measured with use of an ultrasound scanner. Thyroid-stimulating hormone was measured from capillary blood samples with use of a neonatal human thyrotropin kit. All study participants were euthyroid. No study participant had urinary iodine excretion of less than 10 mg/L, and two thirds of the study group had iodine excretion of more than 100 mg/dL. Mean thyroid volume increased from 5.35 +/- 1.11 mL in boys at age 11 years to 8.52 +/- 3.32 mL in boys at age 15 years and from 5.95 +/- 1.70 mL to 7.53 +/- 1.92 mL in girls of corresponding ages. In both sexes, thyroid volume correlated better with height (r = 0.33 in girls and 0.50 in boys), weight (r = 0.35 and 0.43, respectively), and body surface area (r = 0.38 and 0.50, respectively) than with body mass index (r = 0.26 and 0.16, respectively). Thyroid volume showed a significant correlation with fat-free mass (r = 0.39 in girls and 0.49 in boys) and no significant correlation with body fat in both girls and boys. Thyroid volume is dependent on body size and therefore on growth variables. It depends on fat-free mass as a relatively precise measure of body size and is not related to the fat mass.

Cambios en la edad de inicio de la pubertad en niñas de la comuna de Santiago: Implicancias para el diagnóstico de la pubertad precoz

Introduction : recent evidence suggests that the onset of puberty among girls is occurring earlier than previously considered in the northern hemisphere. However, this observation might not be applicable to populations of different ethnic origins, such as Chilean children. Objective : to determine the age of onset of puberty in boys and girls attending 3 primary schools in downtown Santiago. The criteria for the determination of puberal development was the prescence of palpable mammary tissue in girls, and a testicular volume of at least 4 ml in boys. Only children with a MBI between the 10th and 95th percentile were analyzed. Subjects and methods : of 332 children recruited, 80 (24%) were excluded because their BMI was above the 95th percentile. Of the remaining 252, 131 were girls. Among girls aged 7 to 7.49 yrs 10% (2/20) had palpable breast tissue, aged 7.5-7.99 25% (4/16), aged 8-8.99 25% (9/36). Among boys the first signs of testicular growth were observed between 9 and 9.49 years as previously described. Conclusion : the onset of puberty among this group of Chilean girls occurs earlier than in the classical literature, but there was no difference in boys. These results suggest that the development of breast tissue in girls between the ages of 7 and 8 years should not be considered necessarily pathological and that the definition of precocious puberty should be re-evaluated.