A Longitudinal Study of the Pubertal Maturation in Bulgarian Boys
Issue: 2/2010
Author: Philip Kumanov, Jordan Jordanov, Ralitsa Robeva, Anelia Tomova
Abstract:
Aim: Human puberty is a complex consecution of biological events that leads to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, an intense linear growth and an ability for reproduction. The age of the pubertal onset depends on genetic as well as on specific social and economical factors. Therefore, every population needs its own reference ranges for pubertal progress that ensure a proper distinction between the physiological and the pathological development. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the pubertal development of Bulgarian boys.
Materials and methods: 131 boys from two primary schools in Sofia were included in this first Bulgarian longitudinal study. They were monitored from the first to the seventh year at school. The testicular volumes, pubic hair stage according to Tanner, penile length, penile circumference and the axillary hair of the children were registered. Moreover, the anthropometric indices (height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, bicristal diameter) were determined.
Results: The right testicular volume in the investigated boys reached 3 ml at the age of 11,50 ± 1,03 years (X ± SD)(9 – 14 years). The corresponding age for the left testicular volume was 11,63 ± 1,05 years (9 – 14 years). Pubic hair stage II appeared approximately 3 months later. A sharp increase of the testicular volumes was observed most often at the age of 11 and 12 years. The mean age of appearance of axillary hair was 12,28 ± 1,22 years.
Conclusion: The age of the pubertal onset was similar to that reported in other European countries. However there was a tendency to a relatively earlier development of pubis and axillary hair in Bulgarian children.
