New insights into precocious puberty and ADHD: a nationwide cohort study

• Published in: Pediatric research 2022-12, Vol.92 (6), p.1787-1794
• Main Authors: Pai, Li-Fan, Wang, Der-Shiun, Hsu, Wan-Fu, Huang, Shao-Wei, Chung, Chi-Hsiang, Chen, Shyi-Jou, Chien, Wu-Chien, Chu, Der-Ming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - complications; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort analysis; Cohort Studies; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone - therapeutic use; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Physical growth; Population Study Article; Puberty; Puberty, Precocious - complications; Puberty, Precocious - diagnosis; Puberty, Precocious - drug therapy; Retrospective Studies
• ISSN: 0031-3998; 1530-0447
• DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02028-5

Background Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children; however, studies delineating the association between ADHD and central precocious puberty are limited. This study aimed to understand whether children with ADHD are at a higher risk of central precocious puberty. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan to investigate the association between ADHD and the incidence of central precocious puberty between 2000–2015. We identified ADHD individuals treated with methylphenidate, atomoxetine or not. The control cohort consisted of individuals without ADHD. The outcome measure was central precocious puberty diagnosis. Results Among 290,148 children (mean age: 5.83 years), central precocious puberty incidence was 4.24 and 1.95 per 10 5 person-years in the ADHD and control groups, respectively. Children with ADHD treated with medication had a higher risk than those without ADHD. However, medication use did not affect the incidence of central precocious puberty among children with ADHD. Conclusion This study showed an association between ADHD and a higher risk of central precocious puberty. Early referral of children with ADHD to a pediatric endocrinologist for evaluation may facilitate correct diagnoses and early interventions. Impact ADHD is associated with a higher risk of central precocious puberty. This study provides relevant findings, as it is the first nationwide, population-based cohort study to investigate the association between ADHD and the risk of central precocious puberty with a 15-year follow-up. Early referral of children with ADHD to a pediatric endocrinologist for the evaluation of suspected precocious puberty could facilitate correct diagnosis. Early intervention treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist might improve final height in children with central precocious puberty.