Prevalence and incidence of endocrine disorders in children: results of a survey in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria (EndoPrIn BB) 2000-2001.

BACKGROUND

Sparse data is available on the incidence of endocrine disorders among children in Germany.

AIM

A pioneer study was established to analyse, in the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Bavaria (BY), the incidence and prevalence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (AGS; CAH), precocious puberty (PP), primary congenital hypothyreosis (PCH), Graves disease (MB), and growth disorders related to the Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

METHODS

Participation in the study involved each paediatric hospital in BW and BY (n = 63),and all regional paediatricians belonging to the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (SHI) practising in these states (n = 1 443). Data collection was done from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2001, and included all patients in the 0- < 18 age range.

RESULTS

Completeness of data was 81 % for CAH and 55 % for UTS (capture-mark-recapture method).The incidence rate (IR, per 100 000 / year)versus prevalence rate (per 100 000 at the time point December 31, 2001) was: CAH 0.64 vs.9.60; PP 2.42 vs. 10,85; PCH 1.88 vs. 14.97; MB 0.89 vs. 3.25; UTS 2.15 vs. 29.07; and GHD 3.47(IR). Among neonates, the incidence of CAH was 1 / 7 794; PCH 1 / 2 629 and UTS 1 / 2 300.

CONCLUSIONS

A pioneer study has been established in Germany for investigating the frequency of AGS (CAH), PP, PCH, MB, UTS, and GHD among children and adolescents. Our data shows that these disorders occur in approx. 2,700 children per year in total Germany, and about 12 000 of these children need to be treated in specialized paediatric endocrinological centres.