Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on central precocious puberty: a retrospective cohort study from Türkiye

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical and demographic characteristics of girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify potential changes in incidence and contributing factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two pediatric endocrinology centers in Turkiye. Girls treated with GnRH Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogs between March 2018 and March 2022 were categorized into two groups: the pre-pandemic group (2018–2020) and the pandemic group 2020–2022). Clinical, anthropometric, and hormonal data were analyzed. Patients with organic lesions, genetic disorders, or medications affecting puberty were excluded. Results: CPP diagnoses increased significantly during the pandemic, rising from 0.5% (32/6,446) in the pre-pandemic period to 2.1% (160/7,436) during the pandemic. Basal, peak LH, and peak LH/peak FSH levels were significantly higher in the pandemic group (p < 0.01), while BMI and Tanner stages showed no significant differences. Conclusion: The study highlights a marked increase in CPP diagnoses during the pandemic. Elevated basal and peak LH levels suggest a more pronounced hormonal activation, potentially influenced by pandemic-related factors. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including environmental and psychological contributors.