E30
DESCRIPTION
Abnormally early or late development of signs of puberty including the development of breasts (in girls) or enlargement of external genitalia (boys) and sexual hair growth.
Often associated abnormality of growth velocity.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
- Puberty begins after 9 years and usually not later than 14 years in males.
- Puberty begins after 8 years and usually not later than 13.5 years in females.
- Precocity or delay of puberty occurring outside these ages need investigation.
Investigations
- Puberty staging.
- Radiological bone age.
- Endocrine investigation.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Psychological support.
- Treat the cause, e.g. tumours.
REFERRAL
- All.