Growth and Pubertal Development in Paediatric Endocrinology: From Physiological Pathways to Clinical Challenges

Growth and pubertal disorders pose significant challenges within the realm of pediatric endocrinology. This field has witnessed remarkable progress in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. For instance, the advent of long-acting growth hormone formulations has introduced innovative management options for children facing growth disorders. Additionally, genomic technologies have commenced a new era of earlier and more precise identification of etiological factors. In pubertal disorder management, emerging research implicates endocrine disruptors and various environmental and intrinsic factors in the escalating prevalence of precocious puberty, correlated with a global trend toward earlier pubertal onset. Despite these advances, the complexity of these disorders necessitates a comprehensive approach for improved evaluation and management.

The goal of this Research Topic is to consolidate and explore the wealth of current knowledge and breakthroughs in pediatric growth and pubertal disorders. While significant progress has been made in understanding the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying these conditions, many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges persist. The introduction of long-acting growth hormone formulations marks a therapeutic leap, potentially enhancing adherence and patient outcomes in growth hormone deficiencies and related disorders. Advances in genetic and molecular diagnostics further enhance our capability to identify monogenic causes of short stature and syndromic growth failures. Among children born small for gestational age (SGA), research indicates a myriad of etiologies, from placental issues to novel genetic and epigenetic alterations affecting growth. Emerging insights could refine treatment indications for growth hormone therapies and introduce novel strategies specific to these populations.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that focus on pediatric growth and pubertal disorders, encompassing original research, reviews, and clinical trials. It aims to delve into advancements in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment for short stature, growth hormone deficiencies, and syndromic growth disorders.. We particularly encourage the submissions of works with clinical impact that can provide new insights into the management of patients from a pediatric care perspective. Manuscripts offering insights into genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of growth impairments are highly encouraged too.
For pubertal development, submissions may explore aspects of precocious and delayed puberty, considering environmental and endocrine-disrupting influences, alongside trends in pubertal timing. Contributions may also focus on new therapeutic strategies, including the advent of long-acting growth hormone formulations.
This Research Topic seeks to foster multidisciplinary approaches, engaging clinical, molecular, and translational research to provide comprehensive insights into these disorders and steer future diagnostic and therapeutic pathways.

Keywords: Pediatric growth disorders, pubertal disorders, long-acting growth hormone, genetic and epigenetic diagnostics, endocrine disruptors

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.