ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: An increase in the number of cases of central precocious puberty (CPP) was observed in outpatient clinics in various centers around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is believed that the adoption of specific social behaviors, and the virus infection itself may have influenced the increase in cases of CPP.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of cases of CPP in the state of Goiás-Brazil, before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: This is a retrospective, longitudinal, observational study with a quantitative approach conducted in the state of Goiás-Brazil based on the analysis of data from processes at the High-Cost Medical Center Juarez Barbosa (CMAC-JB). All patients with a record filed at CMAC-JB, starting treatment between 2018 and 2023, were included. Data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.0. The significance level adopted was 5% (P < 0.05).

Results and Discussion: 910 requests for treatment for CPP were evaluated, 153 before the pandemic, 390 from 2020 to 2021, and 367 between 2022 and 2023, corresponding to an increase of 154% and 140% in the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. The incidence of CPP per 100,000 inhabitants was 16.01 (31.53♀ and 1.03♂) and increased during the pandemic period to 40.81 (81.59♀ and 1.44♂), and post-pandemic to 38.4 (75.84♀ and 2.26♂). When comparing the Pre-pandemic and Pandemic periods, we observed a drop in the age at which a GnRH was requested. However, the CPP was more advanced, both clinically according to the more advanced Tanner criteria and, also due to higher values of stimulated LH. In the post-lockdown period, there was maintenance of a high incidence of CPP, an advanced pubertal stage, and a later request for medication, suggesting that there was no return to pre-pandemic clinical conditions but that the demand for the health system has occurred with more significant delay after return to the activities outside the home. It is believed that many harmful habits acquired during the pandemic (dietary changes, excessive screen time, reduced physical activity, psychological stress) that influenced pubertal development patterns were perpetuated in the post-pandemic period.

Conclusions: The incidence of CPP in Goiás-Brazil significantly increased during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods, and patients presented more advanced clinical characteristics than in the previous period. The pandemic may have influenced both the earlier clinical onset of puberty and the more accurate perception of parents during the lockdown period.