scholarly journals Precocious puberty: a clinical review

Author(s):  
Pallavee P. ◽  
Rupal Samal

Precocious puberty is defined as pubertal development occurring more than 2.5 standard deviations earlier than the average age. It may comprise of central or gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty and peripheral or gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty. Variants of precocious puberty include premature thelarche, premature pubarche and isolated premature menarche which principally implies onset of menstruation without any other signs of sexual development. Precocious puberty may have long-term consequences including short stature later on in adulthood owing to premature epiphyseal fusion as also psychosocial problems. Evaluation includes a detailed history, physical examination, biochemical tests and imaging directed towards detecting the cause. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogues are effective for treatment of central precocious puberty. Treatment of peripheral precocious puberty should be based on the cause. Isolated variants are usually normal but should be closely monitored. Multi-speciality consultation with involvement of pediatricians and enocrinologists may improve treatment outcomes in these children, who otherwise pose significant challenges to the gynaecologist.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-69
Author(s):  
Nusrat Sultana ◽  
Faria Afsana ◽  
Nazma Akhtar ◽  
Yasmin Aktar ◽  
Mohammad Feroz Amin ◽  
...  

Precocious puberty is commonly defined as puberty that starts before age 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. The causes of it may range from a variant of normal development to various pathologic conditions. The etiology of precocious puberty is classified by the underlying pathogenesis into gonadotropin dependent central precocious puberty and peripheral precocious puberty which is independent of gonadotropin but due to different other causes. Variants of precocious puberty include premature thelarche, premature puberche and isolated premature menarche which imply onset of isolated changes without any other signs of sexual development. Precocious puberty might have an impact on final stature owing to premature epiphyseal fusion and also it has got influence on psychosocial wellbeing. Evaluation includes a detailed history, physical examination, biochemical testing and imaging directed towards suspected etiology. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues are effective for treatment of central precocious puberty. Treatment of peripheral precocious puberty should be based on the specific cause. Pubertal variants are usually non-progressive and need no treatment but should be monitored carefully. BIRDEM Med J 2022; 12(1): 62-69


1999 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Pasquino ◽  
Ida Pucarelli ◽  
Maria Segni ◽  
Marco Matrunola ◽  
Fabio Cerrone

GnRH analogues (GnRHa) represent the treatment of choice in central precocious puberty (CPP), because arresting pubertal development and reducing either growth velocity (GV) or bone maturation (BA) should improve adult height. However, in some patients, GV decrease is so remarkable that it impairs predicted adult height (PAH); and therefore, the addition of GH is suggested. Out of twenty subjects with idiopathic CPP (treated with GnRHa depot-triptorelin, at a dose of 100 μg/kg im every 21 days, for at least 2–3 yr), whose GV fall below the 25th percentile for chronological age, 10 received, in addition to GnRHa, GH at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg·week sc, 6 days weekly, for 2–4 yr; and 10 matched for BA, chronological age, and duration of GnRHa treatment, who showed the same growth pattern but refused GH treatment, served to evaluate the efficacy of GH addition. No patient showed classical GH deficiency. Both groups discontinued treatment at a comparable BA (mean ± sem): 13.2 ± 0.2 in GnRHa plus GH vs. 13.0 ± 0.1 yr in the control group. At the conclusion of the study, all the patients had achieved adult height. Adult height was considered to be attained when the growth during the preceding year was less than 1 cm, with a BA of over 15 yr. Patients of the group treated with GH plus GnRHa showed an adult height significantly higher (P < 0.001) than pretreatment PAH (160.6 ± 1.3 vs. 152.7 ± 1.7 cm). Target height (TH) was significantly exceeded. The group treated with GnRH alone reached an adult height not significantly higher than pretreatment PAH (157.1 ± 2.5 vs. 155.5 ± 1.9 cm). TH was just reached but not significantly exceeded. The gain in centimeters obtained, calculated between pretreatment PAH and final height, was 7.9 ± 1.1 cm in patients treated with GH combined with GnRHa; whereas in patients treated with GnRHa alone, the gain was just 1.6 ± 1.2 cm (P = 0.001). Furthermore, no side effects have been observed either on bone age progression or ovarian cyst appearance and the gynecological follow-up in the GH-treated patients (in comparison with those treated with GnRHa alone). In conclusion, a gain of 7.9 cm in adult height represents a significant improvement, which justifies the addition of GH for 2–3 yr during the conventional treatment with GnRHa, especially in patients with CPP, and a decrease in GV so marked as to impair PAH, not allowing it to reach even the third centile.


2016 ◽  
Vol 174 (3) ◽  
pp. R79-R87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Guaraldi ◽  
Guglielmo Beccuti ◽  
Davide Gori ◽  
Lucia Ghizzoni

GnRH analogues (GnRHa) are the treatment of choice for central precocious puberty (CPP), with the main objective to recover the height potential compromised by the premature fusion of growth cartilages. The aim of this review was to analyze long-term effects of GnRHa on height, body weight, reproductive function, and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with CPP, as well as the potential predictors of outcome. Because randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness and long-term outcomes of treatment are not available, only qualified conclusions about the efficacy of interventions can be drawn. GnRHa treatment appears to improve adult height in girls with CPP, especially if diagnosed before the age of 6, whereas a real benefit in terms of adult height is still controversial in patients with the onset of puberty between 6 and 8 years of age. No height benefit was shown in patients treated after 8 years. Gonadal function is promptly restored in girls after cessation of treatment, and reproductive potential appears normal in young adulthood. Data are conflicting on the long-term risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome in both treated and untreated women. Fat mass is increased at the start of treatment but normalizes thereafter, and GnRHa itself does not seem to have any long-term effect on BMI. Similarly, analogue treatment does not appear to have a negative impact on BMD. Owing to the paucity of data available, no conclusions can be drawn on the repercussions of CPP and/or its treatment on the timing of menopause and on the health of the offspring.


Author(s):  
Nursel Muratoglu Sahin ◽  
H. Nursun Ozcan ◽  
Aslihan Arasli Yilmaz ◽  
Senay Savas Erdeve ◽  
Semra Cetinkaya ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives There is a complex interaction between the anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. However, the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation on AMH levels is not clearly known. In the study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of GnRH stimulation on AMH levels in central precocious puberty (CPP) and isolated premature thelarche (PT) groups. Methods Sixty-three girls with breast development before the age of 8 were enrolled in the study. GnRH test was performed on all subjects. Blood samples for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and AMH levels were taken at basal, 40th, and 90th minute of GnRH test. Subjects were grouped as CPP and PT group. Results After GnRH stimulation, AMH levels increased significantly at the 40th minute and the stimulating effect of GnRH on AMH continued till the 90th minute (p: 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between basal and 90th-minute AMH levels (r: 479, p: 0.0001). The highest FSH, LH, and AMH times were significantly different after the GnRH stimulation (p: 0.001, p: 0.001, and p: 0.007). Although the CPP group had a lower basal AMH level than the PT group’s basal AMH level; AMH response to GnRH stimulation was not different (p>0.05). Conclusions In our study, which examined the effect of GnRH stimulation on AMH levels in early pubertal development disorders for the first time, GnRH stimulated AMH secretion rapidly, correlated with basal AMH. Basal AMH levels were lower in patients with CPP than in those with PT; however, the effect of GnRH stimulation on AMH levels was similar in both groups.


1999 ◽  
Vol 45 (4, Part 2 of 2) ◽  
pp. 95A-95A
Author(s):  
E Kirk Neely ◽  
Raymond L Hintz ◽  
Peter A Lee

Author(s):  
Kamila Botelho Fernandes de Souza ◽  
Melyna Shayanne Pessôa Veiga ◽  
Gabriela Ráina Ferreira Martins ◽  
Adriana Paula da Silva ◽  
Lívia Grimaldi Abud Fujita ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the cutoff values of gonadotropin response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) corresponding to the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis that could differentiate central precocious puberty (CPP) from premature thelarche (PT) and using the electrochemiluminescence assay method. Methods: A total of 49 girls underwent the stimulation test with the intramuscular injection of 3.75 mg leuprolide acetate. Based on the clinical and laboratory characteristics, they were divided into two groups: CPP (n = 22) and PT (n = 27). Baseline estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were collected before GnRHa administration, and LH and FSH at 60 and 120 min, respectively, after GnRHa administration. Results: The girls with CPP presented an increased height Z-score, advanced bone age, and higher baseline LH, FSH, estradiol, and LH/FSH ratio in relation to PT (p < 0.001). Stimulated LH differed significantly between the two groups, and the LH cutoff values were ≥4.29 IU/L (p < 0.001) and ≥3.95 IU/L at 60 and 120 min, respectively (p < 0.001). LH peak was found at 60 min after stimulation. Conclusions: The GnRHa test is effective in distinguishing CPP from PT, and a single sampling, at 60 min, with LH concentrations above 4.29 may be the parameter of choice with the advantage of greater convenience and practicality.


1985 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 945-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. BRAUNER ◽  
E. THIBAUD ◽  
P. BISCHOF ◽  
PC. SIZONENKO ◽  
R. RAPPAPORT

Author(s):  
Carolina O. Ramos ◽  
Ana P M Canton ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Seraphim ◽  
Aline Guimarães Faria ◽  
Flavia Rezende Tinano ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Longer-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) have been widely used for central precocious puberty (CPP) treatment. However, the follow-up of patients after this treatment are still scarce. Our aim was to describe anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive follow-up of CPP patients after treatment with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg). Methods Twenty-two female patients with idiopathic CPP were treated with leuprorelin acetate 3-month depot (11.25 mg). Their medical records were retrospectively evaluated regarding clinical, hormonal, and imaging aspects before, during, and after GnRHa treatment until adult height (AH). Results At the diagnosis of CPP, the mean chronological age (CA) was 8.2 ± 1.13 year, and mean bone age (BA) was 10.4 ± 1.4 year. Mean height SDS at the start and the end of GnRHa treatment was 1.6 ± 0.8 and 1.3 ± 0.9, respectively. The mean duration of GnRHa treatment was 2.8 ± 0.8 year. Mean predicted adult heights (PAH) at the start and the end of GnRH treatment was 153.2 ± 8.6 and 164.4 ± 7.3 cm, respectively (p<0.05). The mean AH was 163.2 ± 6.2 cm (mean SDS: 0.1 ± 1). All patients were within their target height (TH) range. There was a decrease in the percentage of overweight and obesity from the diagnosis until AH (39–19% p>0.05). At the AH, the insulin resistance and high LDL levels were identified in 3/17 patients (17.6%) and 2/21 patients (9.5%), respectively. The mean CA of menarche was 12.2 ± 0.5 years. At the AH, PCOS was diagnosed in one patient (4.8%). Conclusions Long-term anthropometric, metabolic, and reproductive follow-up of patients with CPP treated with longer-acting GnRHa revealed effectivity, safety, and favorable outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 705-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junfen Fu ◽  
Jianwei Zhang ◽  
Ruimin Chen ◽  
Xiaoyu Ma ◽  
Chunlin Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) have been widely used to treat idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) or early and fast puberty (EFP). However, large-scale studies to evaluate the treatment effects on final adult height (FAH) are still lacking. Objective To assess the effects of long-term treatment for CPP/EFP on FAH and its main influencing factors. Design and Setting Retrospective, multicenter observational study from 1998 to 2017. Participants Four hundred forty-eight Chinese girls with CPP/EFP received GnRHa and rhGH treatment (n = 118), GnRHa alone (n = 276), or no treatment (n = 54). Main Outcome Measures FAH, target height (Tht), and predictive adult height (PAH). Results The height gain (FAH–PAH) was significantly different among the GnRHa and rhGH treatment, GnRHa alone, and no treatment groups (P &lt; 0.05; 9.51 ± 0.53, 8.07 ± 0.37, and 6.44 ± 0.91 cm, respectively). The genetic height gain (FAH–Tht) was 4.0 ± 0.5 cm for the GnRHa + rhGH group and 2.0 ± 0.27 cm for the GnRHa group, while the control group reached their Tht. In addition, 5 critical parameters derived from PAH, bone age, and Tht, showed excellent performance in predicting which patients could gain ≥5 cm (FAH–PAH), and this was further validated using an independent study. Conclusions The overall beneficial effect of GnRHa + rhGH or GnRHa on FAH was significant. The control group also reached their genetic target height. Clinicians are recommended to consider both the potential gains in height and the cost of medication.


Author(s):  
Nursel Muratoglu Sahin ◽  
Sibel Tulgar Kinik ◽  
Mustafa Agah Tekindal ◽  
Nilufer Bayraktar

AbstractThe possible difference of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels at central precocious puberty (CPP) and premature thelarche (PT) has not been properly evaluated.By evaluating AMH levels in girls with diagnosed CPP and PT, we aim to show the change of AMH levels at the pubertal onset.Sixty-five girls who have breast development before the age of 8 years and 25 healthy girls were enrolled in the study.The subjects were divided into two groups as CPP and PT, according to results of GnRH test. AMH levels were determined in the two groups.The mean AMH levels of the CPP group were significantly lower than those in the PT group (13.57±9.85 pmol/L and 58.42±12.78 pmol/L, respectively, p=0.022).These results suggest that the AMH levels decrease in the duration of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis activation. We thought that AMH might/may be a marker for distinguishing between CPP and PT.


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