Pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes in adolescent girls with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

AIMS

To study the pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes in adolescent girls with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS AND MATERIAL

Weight, height, BMI, waist and hip circumference among 50 adolescent SLE girls (aged 8-17 years) were cross-sectionally studied using standardized techniques and instruments. Breast development stage, presence or absence of pubic and axillary hair and age of attainment of menarche were also noted.

RESULTS

With the advancement of age, weight and height of SLE girls increased but they were lighter and shorter compared to normal Indian peers. 18.4% of study girls were short-statured while only one participant was underweight. As per mid-parental height, 34.3% were predicted to have shorter final heights. BMI demonstrated an inconsistent trend with 12.3% and 9.2% being obese and overweight, respectively. Interestingly, 10.7% of SLE girls were at risk of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference >70 centile). About 50% of study girls had attained menarche (mean age: 13.04 ± 1.38 years). Appearance of pubic and axillary hair occurred around 1 year later than attainment of menarche. 33.80% of study subjects were in prepubertal stage of breast development and rest 66.20% were in advanced stages of breast development. SLE girls who had younger age at diagnosis and longer duration of therapy had significant delay in breast development and attainment of menarche.

CONCLUSIONS

SLE girls show delayed growth and pubertal attainments compared to their normal Indian and Western counterparts. The data presented will provide an understanding of the auxological dynamics and pattern of pubertal changes among adolescent girls with SLE living in north-western India.