Low-Dose Testosterone Effect on Somatic Growth

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 593-857
Author(s):  
Robert L. Rosenfield

Low-dose testosterone has been found to preserve the growth potential of hypogonadal children requiring anabolic or androgenic therapy. Five girls with Turner syndrome were treated when their chronologic ages were 13 to 14 years and their bone ages were 10.6 to 12.75 years; six hypogonadal boys were treated when their chronologic ages were 11 to 15 years and their bone ages were 10.9 to 14.2 years. Depot testosterone was given as an anabolic agent in an average dose of 28 mg/m2/mo for 6 months to the patients with Turner syndrome and was given to initiate puberty in an average dose of 44 mg/m2/mo for 6 months to the hypogonadal boys. Growth rate doubled on these doses of testosterone, and bone age did not advance disproportionately. Consequently, height potential was preserved. Pubic hair advanced one Tanner stage during the 6-month treatment. Clitoral hypertrophy was observed in only one of the five girls with Turner syndrome and regressed when testosterone therapy was discontinued. Four hypogonadal boys were continued on low-dose testosterone until their bone ages passed 14 years of age and their growth rate waned. Then, the testosterone dosage was increased in increments to 100 to 200 mg/m2/mo. This group reached a height of 100.3 ± 0.8% of the height initially predicted. In addition, all attained an adult height at least 15 percentiles greater than that before therapy. These studies indicate that testosterone in very low doses resembles "anabolic steroids" in that growth is stimulated without an inordinate androgenic effect. Furthermore, these studies show that institution of low-dose therapy in the early teenage years stimulates pubertal growth normally without loss of height potential.

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
I I Dedov ◽  
N N Volevodz ◽  
O A Malievskiĭ ◽  
V A Peterkova

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the treatment of girls presenting with Turner syndrome by recombinant growth hormone Rastan (Farmstandart-UfaVITA). A total 29 girls in this condition were available for observation. Their chronological age at the time of diagnosis averaged 7.9±1.2 years at the time of diagnosis and 9.8±1.6 at the onset of therapy; the bone age was 7.5±1.1 years. Duration of the treatment was 24 months. Recombinant somatotropin was used in the form of lyophilisate (1.33 mg) to prepare a solution for subcutaneous injections at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg of body weight. The solution was administered daily at evening hours. The mean growth rate of the patients with Turner syndrome was estimated at 4.2±0.6 cm/year prior to Rastan therapy, 8.7±0.6 cm/year during the first 12 months of the treatment, and 6.1±1.2 cm/yr in the second year. Overall, the height of the girls increased by 0.84 SD within the two years. No adverse effects of therapy were documented. It is concluded that the use of recombinant somatotropin Rastan is an efficacious and safe therapeutic modality for the acceleration of growth in girls with Turner syndrome.


2006 ◽  
Vol 91 (9) ◽  
pp. 3377-3381 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. I. Hernández ◽  
A. Martínez ◽  
T. Capurro ◽  
V. Peña ◽  
L. Trejo ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: There are limited and controversial data concerning puberty characteristics in girls born small for gestational age (SGA). Objective: The objective of the study was to document clinical, ultrasonographic, and biochemical characteristics at the beginning of puberty in matched healthy girls born either SGA or appropriate for gestational age (AGA) recruited from the community. Patients: Inclusion criteria were breast Tanner stage II and a body mass index between the 10th and 95th percentiles. Interventions: Recruited subjects underwent a complete physical exam, bone age, and ultrasound measurements of the internal genitalia. Hormonal assessment included fasting early morning dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, SHBG, inhibin-B, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OH Prog), and testosterone. Thereafter, a GnRH agonist test (leuprolide 500 μg, sc) was performed with FSH and LH at time 3 and 24 h for E2, 17OH Prog, and testosterone. Results: Sixty-five girls (35 AGA, 30 SGA) with a mean age of 9.9 ± 1.03 (7.8–12.5) yr, similar bone age/chronological age (1.02 ± 0.8 in AGA and 1 ± 0.76 in SGA), median height of 1.35 ± 0.06 cm, and similar waist to hip ratio were included. No differences in the presence of pubic hair, axillary hair, apocrine odor, or ultrasound measurements were found. SGA girls had increased baseline E2 as well as stimulated E2 and 17OH Prog. Conclusions: In a preliminary sample of lean, healthy girls recruited from the community born either SGA or AGA, we observed slight hormonal differences at the beginning of puberty. Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort will allow us to understand whether these differences are maintained and have a clinical impact in their pubertal development.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L Rosenfield

Abstract Adrenarche is the maturational increase in adrenal androgen production that normally begins in early childhood. It results from changes in the secretory response to ACTH that are best indexed by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) rise. These changes are related to the development of the zona reticularis (ZR) and its unique gene/enzyme expression pattern of low 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with high cytochrome b5A, sulfotransferase 2A1, and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Recently 11-ketotestosterone was identified as an important bioactive adrenarchal androgen. Birth weight, body growth, obesity, and prolactin are related to ZR development. Adrenarchal androgens normally contribute to the onset of sexual pubic hair (pubarche) and sebaceous and apocrine gland development. Premature adrenarche causes ≥90% of premature pubarche. Its cause is unknown. Affected children have a significantly increased growth rate with proportionate bone age advancement that typically does not compromise growth potential. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels increase to levels normal for early female puberty. It is associated with mildly increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and possibly mood disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. Five-10% of premature pubarche is due to virilizing disorders, which are usually characterized by more rapid advancement of pubarche and compromise of adult height potential than premature adrenarche. Most cases are due to nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Algorithms are presented for the differential diagnosis of premature pubarche.This review highlights recent advances in molecular genetic and developmental biologic understanding of ZR development and insights into adrenarche emanating from mass spectrometric steroid assays.


2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darya N. Koroleva ◽  
Tatiana S. Olina ◽  
Tatiana V. Kovalenko

We describe a case of precocious sexual development in a 4-year-old boy, which was caused by HCG-secreting hepatoblastoma. The precocious sexual development manifested two months after starting polychemotherapy for hepatoblastoma, which presented as the emergence and rapid progression of pubic hair, low voice, and acceleration of the growth rate and bone age. The size of the testicles remained at the prepubertal level. We, together with oncologists, developed a therapeutic tactics: surgical removal of the tumor after the fourth course of polychemotherapy. Antiandrogenic drugs were not used because of their hepatotoxicity and inefficacy in this clinical situation.


Author(s):  
Edward Compton ◽  
David Geller ◽  
Alaina Vidmar

Background: Familial Hyperinsulinism due to HNF4A deficiency (FHI-HNF4A) is a form of diazoxide-sensitive, diffuse hyperinsulinism, characterized by transient or persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, and a propensity to develop Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young type 1 (MODY1). The association between FHI-HNF4A deficiency and benign premature adrenarche (BPA) is unknown. The Case: We report the case of a 5-year-old girl with FHI-HNF4A, controlled on diazoxide, who presented with BPA and Tanner stage III pubic hair associated with body odor and acne. Work-up revealed elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), elevated free testosterone, and advanced bone age. Insulin levels were elevated in the setting of normal fasting blood glucose. We discuss the possible hormonal underpinnings of hyperandrogenism. Conclusion: Though the underlying pathophysiology of this phenotype is unclear, a possible synergistic mechanism exists between insulin-induced hyperandrogenism and HNF4A deficiency leading to a transient decrease of SHBG and thus increased free testosterone levels. Further investigation is required to determine the association between HNF4A dysfunction and BPA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 358-360
Author(s):  
I.O. Oluwayemi ◽  
A.A. Afolabi ◽  
E.O. Adeniji ◽  
T.O. Ayeni

Precocious puberty refers to the appearance of signs of puberty at an earlier age than is considered normal. It occurs ten times more commonly in  girls than in boys. The overall incidence ranged from 1/5000 to 1/10,000 children. The cause is idiopathic in 90% of cases of female precocious  puberty. We present BA a 24 month old female toddler who presented with one year history of progressive breast development and 6 month history of pubic hair growth. There was associated increasing weight, height and vaginal secretion. There was no similar occurrence in the family. Mother attained menarche at 14 years of age. Essential finding at presentation revealed a toddler who is heavy and tall for age with a weight of 17kg (>95th percentile for age and sex), height of 90.5cm (90th percentile for age and sex), Occipito-frontal circumference of 49cm (normal). Her sexual maturityrating was Tanner stage 3 for breasts and stage 2 for pubic hair. An assessment of precocious puberty was made. Her investigation result showed an advanced bone age of 5 years; elevated serum gonadotrophins in the pubertal range; and essentially normal cranial CT. Abdomino-pelvic USS showed an enlarged uterus for age, and a dominant right follicle with internal echo measuring 17.1mm X 15.2mm. Parents were counseled on the need for treatment to arrest the progression of precocious puberty but yet to respond because of financial constraint after 2 years of diagnosis. Female precocious puberty is ten times more common than male precocious puberty. The aetiology is idiopathic in 90% of cases and It is amenable to treatment. Integration of the investigation and treatment of childhood endocrine disorders into the National Health Insurance scheme will be a great panacea to the challenge of prompt management in developing countries. Keywords: Precocious, puberty, 24 months old, female, idiopathic, poverty, Nigeria 


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Lucía Rivero ◽  
Carlos Zunino ◽  
María Noel Cuadro ◽  
Gustavo Giachetto

Introduction: Precocious puberty is defined as the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys. Objective: Emphasize the Pediatrician´s role in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with precocious puberty. Description: Case 1: Girl, 4 years and 11 months old. Thin and scarce pubic hair since 6 months of age. No hypertrophy of the clitoris or breast. Overweight. Normal growth rate and neurodevelopment. Examination: scarce curly pubic hair, non-estrogenic mucosa. Increase in breast size. Breast ultrasound shows lipomatosis. Bone age: 5 years. Case 2: Girl, 6 years and 11 months old. Painful bilateral and symmetric breast growth, no galactorrhea.  Oppressive, moderate and non-progressive headache. No intracranial hypertension. Pubarche, no menarche. Adequate neurodevelopment. Obese. Growth rate above the 90 percentile. Tanner III. Non-estrogenic genital mucosa. Bone age: 13 years. Gynecological ultrasound shows prepubertal uterus. Normal FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, TSH, T4 and cranial MRI. Treatment is initiated with leuprolide acetate. Discussion The appearance of thelarche, pubarche or menarche in patients with normal bone age, as in Case 1, constitutes an ordinary variation of puberty. However, as shown in Case 2, the presence of multiple sexual characteristics and advanced bone age must be considered as precocious puberty indicators. Pediatricians have an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of precocious puberty, as well as in the patient´s follow-up. Both anamnesis and physical examination are key to guide the diagnosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 785-791
Author(s):  
Valeria Calcaterra ◽  
Catherine Klersy ◽  
Federica Vinci ◽  
Corrado Regalbuto ◽  
Giulia Dobbiani ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivesData on the predictive values of parameters included in the diagnostic work-up for precocious puberty (PP) remain limited. We detected the diagnostic value of basal sex hormone levels, pelvic ultrasound parameters and bone age assessment for activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in girls with PP, in order to help in the decision to perform GnRH testing.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively considered 177 girls with PP. According to puberty evolution, the girls were divided into two groups: rapid progressive central precocious puberty (RP-CPP) and non/slowly progressive/transient forms (SP-PP). In all patients we considered Tanner stage, basal luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) values, bone age, and pelvis examination. We assessed the diagnostic value of each variable and identified the number of pathological parameters that best identify patients with RP-CPP.ResultsBasal LH ≥ 0.2IU/L, E2 level ≥ 50 pmol/L, uterine longitudinal diameter ≥ 3.5 cm, transverse uterine diameter ≥ 1.5 cm, endometrial echo and ovarian volume ≥ 2 cm3 were significantly associated with RP-CPP (p ≤ 0.01). The ability to diagnose RP-CPP was enhanced with increasing number of pathological hormonal and instrumental parameters (p < 0.001). With more than three parameters detected, sensitivity and specificity reached 58% (95%CI 48–67) and 85% (95%CI 74–92), respectively, with a PPV = 86% (95%CI 76–93) and PPN = 54% (95%CI 43–54); the area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95%CI 0.65–0.78).ConclusionDespite the availability of different tests, diagnosing RP-CPP remains difficult. A diagnosis model including at least three hormonal and/or ultrasound parameters may serve as a useful preliminary step in selecting patients who require GnRH testing for early detection of RC-PP.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salete Da Silva Rios ◽  
Isabella Christina Mazzaro Monteiro ◽  
Larissa Gonçalves Braz dos Santos ◽  
Natasha Garcia Caldas ◽  
Ana Carolina Rios Chen ◽  
...  

Swyer syndrome is caused by abnormal sex differentiation during the embryonic period, resulting in incomplete intrauterine masculinization and undifferentiated gonads. The current case report describes a patient with Swyer syndrome associated with stage 3 gonadal dysgerminoma who has survived for 23 years. At age 18, this patient sought assistance for primary amenorrhea from the Gynecological Services Department of the University of Brasília Hospital. A physical examination revealed that the patient was at Tanner stage 4 with respect to axillary hair, breasts, and pubic hair; she presented with a eutrophic vagina and a small cervix. She was treated with a combination of estrogens and progestogens to induce cycling. Approximately 4 years later, a complex tumor was found and resected; a histopathological analysis revealed that this tumor was a right adnexal dysgerminoma with peritoneal affection. The patient was also subjected to chemotherapy. Her follow-up has continued to the present time, with no signs of tumor recurrence. In conclusion, this report describes an extremely rare case in which Swyer syndrome was associated with ovarian dysgerminoma; relative to similar patients, the described patient has survived for an unusually prolonged time.


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