DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Early-stage endocrine disorders in children often present with vague or nonspecific symptoms, making timely diagnosis challenging. Biomarkers offer a promising avenue for early detection and risk stratification by correlating biological changes with clinical presentations.
Objective: To evaluate the relationship between specific biomarkers and early clinical features in children with suspected endocrine disorders.
Methods: This clinical correlation study was conducted over eight months at tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, enrolling 150 children aged 2–14 years who exhibited symptoms suggestive of endocrine dysfunction. Clinical assessments included anthropometry, pubertal staging, and symptom profiling. Biochemical analysis measured serum IGF-1, TSH, cortisol, LH/FSH, and anti-TPO using ELISA and chemiluminescence assays. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate regression models adjusted for age, sex, and BMI.
Results: Short stature was significantly associated with low IGF-1 (45.2 ± 12.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001), weight gain with elevated TSH (7.8 ± 2.3 µIU/mL, p < 0.01), and fatigue with reduced cortisol levels (6.2 ± 1.9 µg/dL, p = 0.02). Pubertal abnormalities were linked to LH/FSH deviations (p < 0.05), while anti-TPO elevation correlated with general malaise (p = 0.006). IGF-1 showed the strongest positive predictive value in multivariate analysis (β = 0.62, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Distinct biomarker patterns correlate significantly with early clinical signs of pediatric endocrine disorders. Incorporating biomarker profiling may enhance early detection and guide targeted intervention strategies.