Early onset of puberty in young girls: An Italian cross-sectional study

摘要: Background: International literature and clinical practice have referred to Marshall Tanner data define the physiological age at onset of puberty. A study in United States (1997) showed an anticipation pubertal onset, whereas several European studies did not confirm this trend. Aim: To describe secondary sexual characteristics a large Italian population girls compare it reference data. Subjects methods: cross-sectional on 7311 2–14-yr-old who spontaneously requested evaluation for routine health check-up or acute illness by family pediatrician’s offices northern region (Lombardy), between September 2005 November 2006. Trained pediatricians performed complete physical examination; status was evaluated following Tanner’s criteria; breast development assessed palpation. Results: Mean thelarche (B2), pubarche (PH2), menarche were 9.75, 10.09, 12.49 yr, respectively. The prevalence B2 PH2 ages 7–7.99 5.9% 5.6%, respectively, 8–8.99 15.5% 13.8%, time lapse from B3 1.46 2.74 our their respective mothers almost identical. Conclusions: Our presented earlier signs than those defined Tanner. different comparison previous generation. progression found, which shift may more relevance.