Final height in girls with central precocious puberty: comparison of two different luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist treatments

Final adult height in children with central precocious puberty - a retrospective study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is due to premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It predominantly affects girls. CPP leads to lower final height (FH), yet the treatment benefit in girls between 6 and 8 years is equivocal. Our main goal was to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) on FH and identify factors that predict FH.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, children with CPP (12 boys, 81 girls) that reached FH were included. Their clinical data at diagnosis and up to their final height was compared by descriptive statistics among idiopathic (iCPP) (n=68) and non-idiopathic CPP (nCPP) and between GnRHa treated (n=48) and untreated (n=15) girls with iCPP. The treatment effect of body weight (BW) adjusted GnRHa dosing was evaluated. Univariate linear regression and step-wise multivariable regression including 48 girls with iCPP treated with GnRHa were performed to identify predicting factors for FH.

RESULTS

Children with idiopathic CPP (iCPP) reached higher FH (p=0.002) than children with non-idiopathic CPP. After the diagnosis, the treated group gained 7.0 cm more than the untreated group. Yet, attributable to individualized decision-making, the FH in both groups was comparable (161.5 cm in treated, 161.0 cm in untreated girls with iCPP), although the onset of menarche was 2.5 years earlier among untreated girls. BW-adjusted dosing suppressed peak luteinizing hormone (LH) below 4.5 IU/L in 95% of children; however, bone age further advanced during therapy in 38% of patients. Predicting factors revealed by multivariable regression were bone age at diagnosis, BMI SDS at diagnosis, LH basal, age at start and cessation of treatment, predicted adult height and target height. (R2 = 0.72).

CONCLUSION

Children with nCPP had worse FH outcome compared to iCPP despite similar CPP onset and therapeutic characteristics. Treatment by GnRHa using BW-adjusted dosing was effective in delaying menarche onset and reaching target height in girls with iCPP. Multiple factors affecting FH outcome indicated individualized decision-making regarding therapeutic intervention remains challenging. In the treated patients, among the factors that can be influenced, height at treatment cessation most significantly influenced the outcome.

GnRH analog is ineffective in increasing adult height in girls with puberty onset after 7 years of age: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective We assessed the effectiveness of puberty blockade with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog in increasing adult height (AH) in girls with puberty onset between 7 and 10 years of age. Methods We performed a systematic review and included controlled studies in which girls with early puberty (EP) were assigned to the GnRH analog or no treatment groups. The primary outcome analyzed was AH. Search strategies were applied to the MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and CENTRAL databases. Results We identified 1514 references, and six studies fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Two studies were randomized and four were not randomized. At the baseline of each trial, height, chronological age, bone age, predicted AH (PAH) and target height (TH) were equal between the groups. All studies used intramuscular triptorelin every 28 days in the intervention groups. The mean duration of the therapy was 2 years. Meta-analysis of AH among the six studies (comprising 332 girls) showed no significant difference between the groups (mean difference = 0.50 cm, 95% confidence interval = -0.72 to 1.73 cm, I 2 = 0%). In a sub-group analysis based on PAH (<155 cm and 155 cm and equal to TH), there was no difference in average AH between the groups. The quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was low. Conclusion We found no evidence from controlled experimental and observational studies that compared with no treatment, the use of GnRH analogs improved AH in girls with EP.

Pros and cons of GnRHa treatment for early puberty in girls

The timing of puberty has considerable biological, psychosocial and long-term health implications. Secular trends in age at pubertal development, the effects of obesity and the potential effects of environmental endocrine disruptors challenge the standard definitions of precocious puberty and the indications for intervention with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) in girls with precocious puberty. GnRHa therapy is effective in improving adult height in patients who present with classic central precocious puberty (at <8 years old), without causing adverse effects on body composition, BMD and reproductive function. However, its benefits in patients with atypical forms of early puberty not driven by luteinising hormone are not well defined. The role of GnRHa in these patients and the potential benefits in terms of later growth, psychosocial functioning and long-term risk of adult diseases that are associated with early menarche, such as breast cancer and the metabolic syndrome, have not been established.

Multicenter clinical trial of leuprolide acetate depot (Luphere depot 3.75 mg) for efficacy and safety in girls with central precocious puberty

PURPOSE

We evaluated the efficacy, safety and psychological aspect of monthly administrations of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), leuprolide acetate depot (Luphere depot 3.75 mg), in patients with precocious puberty.

METHODS

A total of 54 girls with central precocious puberty were administered with leuprolide acetate (Luphere depot 3.75 mg) every four weeks over 24 weeks. We evaluated the percentage of children exhibiting a suppressed luteinizing hormone (LH) response to GnRH (LH peak≤3 IU/L), peak LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio of GnRH stimulation test less than 1, change in bone age/chronologic age ratio, change in the Tanner stage and change in eating habit and psychological aspect.

RESULTS

(1) The percentage of children exhibiting a suppressed LH response to GnRH, defined as an LH peak≤3 IU/L at 24 weeks was 96.3 % (52/54). (2) The percentage of children exhibiting peak LH/FSH ratio<1 at 24 weeks of the study was 94.4 % (51/54). (3) The ratio of bone age and chronological age significantly declined from 1.27±0.07 to 1.24±0.01 after the 6 months of the study. (4) The mean Tanner stage manifested a significant change 2.3±0.48 at baseline, down to 1.70±0.61 at 24 weeks. (5) Based on the questionnaires, the score for eating habits showed a significant change from the baseline 34.0±6.8 to 31.3±6.8. (6) The psychological assessment did not exhibit a significant difference except with scores for sociability, problem behavior total score and other problems.

CONCLUSION

The leuprolide 3.75 mg (Luphere depot) is useful and safety for treating children with central precocious puberty.

Comparison of three doses of leuprolide acetate in the treatment of central precocious puberty: preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

Depot luteinizing-hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist have been widely used for the treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP), but the optimal doses to obtain hormonal suppression are still unknown, especially in patients with higher weights. The goal of our study was to compare the efficacy of three leuprolide acetate (LA) preparations, suppressing gonadotropin secretion in patients with CPP.

DESIGN

In an open 12-month protocol, we evaluated LA 7.5 mg/month, 11.25 and 22.5 every 3 months.

PATIENTS

Fourteen girls with CPP and weights over 30 kg.

MEASUREMENTS

Clinical, radiological and laboratory follow-up: GnRH test plus LH, FSH 40 min post analogue was performed periodically.

RESULTS

Pretreatment basal and LHRH stimulated LH levels between groups were not different. Basal and LHRH stimulated LH levels decreased significantly between baseline and from 3 up to 12 months of therapy in all groups (P = 0.001). GnRH stimulated LH peak <2 IU/l, the main efficacy criterion was met in 80, 75 and 100% of the children at 6 months in the 7.5, 11.25, 22.5 mg doses respectively. By 12 months, 100% of patients had LH suppressed to <2 IU/l.

CONCLUSIONS

These results affirm that 3-month injections may be a satisfactory alternative for the therapy of children with CPP to avoid monthly injections. In addition, suppression of LH occurs sooner in the 3-month 22.5 mg LA dose compared to the 3-month 11.5 mg; therefore, adequate dosing may be important for optimal outcome. Further investigation is needed in more patients over 30 kg, with longer treatment duration, and ultimately final height consideration.

Consensus statement on the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in children

OBJECTIVE

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs revolutionized the treatment of central precocious puberty. However, questions remain regarding their optimal use in central precocious puberty and other conditions. The Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society and the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology convened a consensus conference to review the clinical use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in children and adolescents.

PARTICIPANTS

When selecting the 30 participants, consideration was given to equal representation from North America (United States and Canada) and Europe, an equal male/female ratio, and a balanced spectrum of professional seniority and expertise.

EVIDENCE

Preference was given to articles written in English with long-term outcome data. The US Public Health grading system was used to grade evidence and rate the strength of conclusions. When evidence was insufficient, conclusions were based on expert opinion.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Participants were put into working groups with assigned topics and specific questions. Written materials were prepared and distributed before the conference, revised on the basis of input during the meeting, and presented to the full assembly for final review. If consensus could not be reached, conclusions were based on majority vote. All participants approved the final statement.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in increasing adult height is undisputed only in early-onset (girls <6 years old) central precocious puberty. Other key areas, such as the psychosocial effects of central precocious puberty and their alteration by gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, need additional study. Few controlled prospective studies have been performed with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in children, and many conclusions rely in part on collective expert opinion. The conference did not endorse commonly voiced concerns regarding the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, such as promotion of weight gain or long-term diminution of bone mineral density. Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs for conditions other than central precocious puberty requires additional investigation and cannot be suggested routinely.

Normal adult height among girls treated for central precocious puberty with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy

AIM

To evaluate adult height (AH) among girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) and to assess the impact of posttreatment growth on AH.

STUDY DESIGN

Medical records of girls with CPP were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six girls aged 7.2 +/- 2.0 years were identified. There was a significant difference between AH and predicted adult height (PAH) at the initiation of therapy (p = 0.005). Using univariate analysis, the only factor associated with AH was total growth after discontinuation of therapy. Growth after discontinuation of therapy was variable and often greater than expected. Both age and skeletal age at the end of therapy had strong linear relationships with growth after therapy explaining 60% of this growth.

CONCLUSION

This report confirms that AH is normal among females with CPP treated in a timely fashion with GnRHa. The lack of predictability of growth after discontinuation of therapy suggests that the decision to stop treatment should be individualized.

Utility of single luteinizing hormone determination 3 h after depot leuprolide in monitoring therapy of gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty

To determine utility of luteinizing hormone (LH) estimation, post intramuscular (IM) depot leuprolide in comparison with subcutaneous leuprolide stimulation test. Test for monitoring therapy in patients with gonadotropin dependent precocious puberty (GDPP). In seven patients of GDPP, who were treated with 11.25 mg depot leuprolide, the LH peak after subcutaneous (sc) test was compared with LH at hourly interval for 4 h after IM depot leuprolide for 13 tests and 3rd hour value for next ten tests. These two values were compared both before and after therapy. Before therapy, the mean +/- SD LH peak after subcutaneous leuprolide stimulation test was 20.6 +/- 7.85 IU/l (range 9.64-30.4 IU/l), and it was 27.3 +/- 12.21 IU/l 3 h after the first depot leuprolide injection (range 10.5-45.4 IU/l). During therapy, the mean +/- SD of LH peak after sc stimulation test was 1.96 +/- 0.75 IU/l (range 1.1-3.1 IU/l), and it was 2.58 +/- 0.54 IU/l (range 1.4-3.4 IU/l) 3 h after depot leuprolide injection. Three-hour LH value following IM depot leuprolide injection (11.25 mg) can be used for monitoring therapy in patients with GDPP because of its convenience and cost effectiveness.

Factors determining normal adult height in girls with gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty treated with depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs

CONTEXT

Several factors can affect adult height (AH) of patients with gonadotropin-dependent precocious puberty (GDPP) treated with depot GnRH analogs.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine factors influencing AH in patients with GDPP treated with depot GnRH analogs.

PATIENTS

A total of 54 patients (45 girls) with GDPP treated with depot GnRH analog who reached AH was included in the study.

DESIGN

Univariate and multivariate analyses of the factors potentially associated with AH were performed in all girls with GDPP. In addition, clinical features of the girls who attained target height (TH) range were compared with those who did not. Predicted height using Bayley and Pinneau tables was compared with attained AH.

RESULTS

In girls the mean AH was 155.3 +/- 6.9 cm (-1.2 +/- 1 sd) with TH range achieved by 81% of this group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the interval between chronological age at onset of puberty and at the start of GnRH analog therapy, height sd scores (SDSs) at the start and end of therapy, and TH explained 74% of AH variance. The predicted height at interruption of GnRH therapy, obtained from Bayley and Pinneau tables for average bone age, was more accurate than for advanced bone age in both sexes. In boys the mean AH was 170.6 +/- 9.2 cm (-1 +/- 1.3 SDS), whereas TH was achieved by 89% of this group.

CONCLUSIONS

The major factors determining normal AH in girls with GDPP treated with depot GnRH analogs were shorter interval between the onset of puberty and start of therapy, higher height SDS at the start and end of therapy, and TH. Therefore, prompt depot GnRH analog therapy in properly selected patients with GDPP is critical to obtain normal AH.

El tratamiento con triptorelina en las niñas con pubertad precoz central provoca incremento del índice de masa corporal

INTRODUCTION

The most important complications of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls are loss of height and multiple psychosocial problems.

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of triptorelin therapy in a cohort of girls with CPP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-four girls diagnosed with organic or idiopathic CPP and treated with monthly triptorelin were studied. Age, height in standard deviation (SD), bone age (Greulich and Pyle), height prediction (Bayle-Pinneau), body mass index (BMI) in SD, uterine size (pelvic ultrasound), target height, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, triptorelin dose, and treatment duration were studied.

RESULTS

Triptorelin produced a statistically significant reduction in growth velocity and an increase in BMI after 1 year of therapy and these changes were maintained after discontinuation of therapy. Adult height in these patients was in accordance with their target genetic height, as well as with their predicted height according to the method of Bayley-Pinneau. No significant differences were found between age of menarche in our patients and in controls. Adult height in patients with organic CPP was significantly lower than that in patients with idiopathic CPP.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Triptorelin can increase BMI in girls with CPP. 2. The presence of an organic cause in patients with CPP worsens the prognosis for adult height. 3. The Bayley-Pinneau prediction method for "average" bone age is useful for establishing a prognosis of adult height in girls with CPP treated with triptorelin.

Treatment of central precocious puberty

The problems of central precocious puberty (CPP) are serious enough to the patient to deserve treatment. There is a general consensus among paediatric endocrinologists that the treatment of true CPP (i.e., in children young enough to have a formal diagnosis) is indicated in many cases. In children with modestly early puberty who are not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria, this is not the case. The treatment of choice is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. Prolonged analogues are more effective than short-acting ones and, most importantly, independent of patient compliance. Data on agonists have accumulated over two decades and evidence of effects is rich in girls but sparse in boys. GnRH agonists are generally effective and safe drugs; the suppression of puberty is reversible and there is much information on GnRH agonists for the treatment of CPP showing very few adverse effects and the effects on final height are well documented in girls < 6 years of age. There is some (but not highly convincing) evidence for their effect on final height for those of 6 - 8 years of age and there is no evidence for an increase in final height after the age of 8 years in girls. If a decision to have treatment is taken, treatment should start immediately as a possible benefit is less probable if the start of treatment is delayed. When treatment should be stopped is a matter of controversy. Combination with growth hormone increases final height, but the clinical relevance can be discussed as well as the health economy aspects. The limits of indications are still to be defined.

Growth in precocious puberty

Growth in precocious puberty is a subject of concern to families and clinicians alike. The definition of precocious puberty and the role of obesity in the age of onset have also been areas of debate since the Lawson Wilkins Society recommended a lowering of the age of onset of precocious puberty in US girls. An understanding of growth patterns in normal children with earlier or later onset of puberty and the variable rate of progression between individuals with central precocious puberty as well as the imprecision in available height prediction methods are important in assessing height outcomes in this condition. In the absence of randomised controlled trials in this area, only qualified conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions can be drawn. In general, it appears that height outcome is not compromised in untreated slowly progressive variants of central precocious puberty. In rapidly progressing central precocious puberty in girls, gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) appear to increase final height by about 5 cm in girls treated before the age of eight, but there is no height benefit in those treated after eight years. Scanly data is available to assess treatment effects in boys. GnRH agonists appear to be relatively safe. The decision to treat central precocious puberty should take into account rate of progression of pubertal changes as well as biochemical markers and may need to address other factors (for example psychosocial and behavioural issues) as well as height outcome.

Can bone age determination provide criteria for growth hormone treatment in adopted girls with early puberty?

In treatment of idiopathic central precocious puberty, GnRH analogues (GnRHa) have been accepted as the treatment of choice. Since growth velocity may be impaired with GnRHa treatment growth hormone (GH) treatment has been added in clinical trials. Recently, a study followed adopted girls with early or precocious puberty on GnRHa or combined GnRHa and GH treatment to final height. It was found that final height was significantly higher in the combined treatment group, although the difference was small. It was seen that patients that were extremely short at arrival and short at start of treatment seemed to be candidates for combined treatment. We have now analysed the data in order to define criteria for the sub-group in need of combined GnRHa-GH treatment in order to achieve normal final height, i.e. above -2 SDS. Bone ages of 46 patients at start of treatment, randomized to either GnRHa treatment or GnRHa treatment combined with GH, were examined blindly by the same radiologist and the PAH calculated. The methods according to Greulich-Pyle / Bayley-Pinneau (GP/BP) and Tanner-Whitehouse (TW2) were used. Predictions versus final height data were analysed. The accuracy of FH prediction was greatest for GnRHa treated group using the GP/BP method. The GP/BP method gave useful cut off limits for when combined treatment was necessary to possibly achieve normal height. If pre-treatment GP/PAH was > 157cm, the patients attained normal height with GnRHa treatment only. Ten out of 13 (77%) such girls could be correctly identified. Using TW2 with a cut off of 164 cm, 9 out of 13 could be selected. Using a multi regression equation of best fit the number of correctly selected cases for GnRHa treatment only, could not be further increased in this group. We conclude that bone age determination and adult height prediction with the Greulich-Pyle/Bayley-Pinneau method, provides useful criteria for selecting the subgroup of adopted girls with early puberty where combined treatment with GnRHa and GH is not necessary to reach normal final height.

Three-month sustained-release triptorelin (11.25 mg) in the treatment of central precocious puberty

OBJECTIVE

Depot GnRH agonists are commonly used in the treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP). The triptorelin 11.25 mg 3-month depot, currently used in adult indications, had not previously been evaluated in CPP.

DESIGN

This was a multicenter, open-label, 12 month trial conducted in 64 CPP children (54 girls and 10 boys), treated quarterly.

METHODS

Children with a clinical onset of pubertal development before the age of 8 years (girls) or 9 years (boys), pubertal response of LH to GnRH > or = 7 IU/l, advanced bone age > 1 year, enlarged uterus (> or = 36 mm) and testosterone level > or = 0.5 ng/ml (boys), were included. Suppression of gonadotropic activation, as determined from serum LH, FSH, estradiol or testosterone, and pubertal signs were assessed at Months 3, 6 and 12.

RESULTS

GnRH-stimulated peak LH < or = 3 IU/l, the main efficacy criterion, was met in 53 out of 62 (85%), 60 out of 62 (97%) and 56 out of 59 (95%) of the children at Months 3, 6 and 12 respectively. Serum FSH and sex steroids were also significantly reduced, while pubertal development regressed in most patients. Mean residual triptorelin levels were stable from Month 3 through to Month 12. The triptorelin 3-month depot was well tolerated. Severe injection pain was experienced in only one instance. Five girls experienced mild-to-moderate or severe (one girl) withdrawal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

The triptorelin 3-month depot efficiently suppresses the pituitary-gonadal axis and pubertal development in children with CPP. This formulation allows a 3-fold reduction, over the once-a-month depot, in the number of i.m. injections required each year.

Results of long-term follow-up after treatment of central precocious puberty with leuprorelin acetate: evaluation of effectiveness of treatment and recovery of gonadal function. The TAP-144-SR Japanese Study Group on Central Precocious Puberty

We evaluated the effect of leuprorelin treatment on adult height (AH) and followed recovery of reproductive function in 63 girls and 13 boys with central precocious puberty (CPP). Mean treatment durations were 3.8 +/- 2.0 and 4.1 +/- 2.5 yr, and posttreatment follow-up durations were 3.5 +/- 1.3 and 2.6 +/- 1.1 yr for girls and boys, respectively. AH was 154.5 +/- 5.7 cm for girls, and 89.5% of girls reached AH within their target height range. For boys, AH was 163.2 +/- 13.0 cm, and 90.9% reached target height range. It appeared that the Bayley-Pinneau method, modified for Japanese children, using a table for advanced bone age (BA), overestimated AH in CPP; and this method, using a table for average BA and projected height for BA, was suitable for prediction of AH in CPP. Menarche or remenarche occurred in 96.8% of girls at the age of 13.1 +/- 1.5 yr. Of 11 girls who contributed urine samples, all seven idiopathic and two organic cases were considered to have ovulation. Serum testosterone levels reached normal adult level in all boys. In conclusion, long-term leuprorelin treatment for children with CPP improved AH and had no adverse effects on recovery of reproductive function.

Central precocious puberty: current treatment options

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is characterized by early pubertal changes, acceleration of growth velocity, and rapid bone maturation that often result in reduced adult height. An onset of pubertal signs before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys should always be evaluated. A combination of clinical signs, bone age, pelvic echography in girls, and hormonal data are required to diagnose CPP and make a judgment concerning progression and prognosis. Not all children with apparently true CPP require medical intervention. The main reasons for treatment are to prevent compromised adult height and to avoid psychosocial or behavioral problems. The need for treatment for auxologic reasons is based on estimation of predicted adult height, with the finding of a reduced height potential, which may require a follow-up. Indication for treatment on the basis of psychologic and behavioral anomalies has to be determined on an individual basis. The main short-term aims of therapy are to stop the progression of secondary sex characteristics and menses (in girls) and to treat the underlying cause, when known. Long-term goals are to increase final adult height and to promote psychosocial well-being. Once it has been decided that treatment is appropriate, it should be initiated immediately with depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. The effective suppression of pituitary gonadal function is achieved with these compounds in practically all CPP patients. Long-term data are now available from 2 decades of GnRH agonist treatment for patients with CPP. Treatment preserves height potential in the majority of patients (especially in younger patients) and improves the final adult height of children with rapidly progressing CPP, with a complete recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis after treatment. GnRH agonist treatment using depot preparations is useful and has a good safety profile, with minimal adverse effects and no severe long-term consequences. Although further data are need, there may be a role in the future for combining somatropin (growth hormone) and GnRH agonist treatment for some patients with significantly impaired growth velocity. The introduction of GnRH antagonists is likely to improve the treatment options for CPP.

Onset of puberty at eight years of age in girls determines a specific tempo of puberty but does not affect adult height

AIMS

To analyse the effect of early puberty (onset between 7.5 and 8.5 y) on pubertal growth and adult height in girls, and the implications of this effect for the age limit for normal onset of puberty.

METHODS

Longitudinal study in Reus (Spain) of 32 girls with early puberty until they reached adult height. Data from these girls were compared with longitudinal data from girls (116) from the same population with normal onset at 10 (n = 37), 11 (n = 47), 12 (n = 19) and 13 (n = 13)y. We analysed height, target height, adult height, pubertal height increase, duration of pubertal growth, age at menarche and time to menarche.

RESULTS

The adult height of girls with early puberty (160.9 +/- 5.4cm) was similar to that of girls with onset at later ages (p = not significant). In these girls, puberty lasted 5.4 +/- 0.7 y and the mean growth during puberty was 31.1 +/- 3.5 cm. As the age of onset of puberty increases, the duration of puberty and mean growth during puberty progressively decreased (p < 0.001). Girls with early puberty reached menarche at a mean age of 10.9 +/- 1.0 y, 3.2 +/- 0.9 y after onset of puberty, and this time span was greater than in the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Girls with onset of puberty at 8 y show all the compensatory phenomena related to height at onset, pubertal duration and height increase during puberty. These phenomena cause their adult height to be similar to that of girls who begin puberty at the age of 10 to 13 y.

Effects of combined gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and growth hormone therapy on adult height in precocious puberty: a further contribution

Out of 35 girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP) treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) (depot-triptorelin) at a dose of 100 microg/kg every 21 days i.m. for at least 2-3 years whose growth velocity fell below the 25th percentile for chronological age (CA), 17 received growth hormone (GH) in addition at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg/week, s.c., 6 days per week, for 2-4 years. The other 18, matched for bone age (BA), CA and duration of GnRHa treatment, who showed the same growth pattern but refused GH treatment, remained on GnRHa alone, and were used as a control group to evaluate GH efficacy. No patient was GH deficient. Both groups discontinued treatment at a comparable BA (mean +/- SD): BA 13.4 +/- 0.6 in GnRHa plus GH group vs 13.0 +/- 0.5 years in the GnRHa alone group. The 35 patients have reached adult height (i.e. growth during the preceding year was less than 1 cm, with a BA of over 15 years). Patients of the group treated with GH plus GnRHa showed an adult height (161.2 +/- 4.8 cm) significantly higher (p < 0.001) than pre-treatment predicted adult height (PAH) calculated according to tables either for accelerated girls (153.2 +/- 5.0 cm) or for average girls (148.6 +/- 4.3 cm). The adult height of the GnRH alone treated group (156.6 +/- 5.7) was not significantly higher than pre-treatment PAH if calculated on Bayley and Pinneau tables for accelerated girls (153.9 +/- 3.8 cm), whilst it remained significantly higher if calculated on tables for average girls (149.6 +/- 4.0 cm) (p < 0.001). The gain between pre-treatment PAH and final height was 8.2 +/- 4.8 cm according to tables for accelerated girls and 12.7 +/- 4.8 cm according to tables for average girls in patients treated with GH plus GnRHa; while in patients treated with GnRH alone the gain calculated between pre-treatment PAH for accelerated girls was just 2.3 +/- 2.9 cm and 7.1 +/- 2.7 cm greater than pre-treatment PAH for average girls. The difference between the gain obtained in the two groups (about 6 cm) remained the same, however PAH was calculated. The addition of GH to GnRHa in a larger cohort of patients with CPP with a longer follow-up confirms the safety of the combined treatment and the still significant but more variable gain in the group with the combined treatment, probably due to the larger number of patients analyzed. Caution is advised in using such an invasive and expensive treatment, and there is need for further studies before widespread clinical use outside a research setting.

Treatment of central precocious puberty

This chapter describes several aspects of the management of treatment in girls and boys with central precocious puberty. Although there is some controversy about the indication for gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment in the literature, a list of clear indications is presented and monitoring requirements for treatment are discussed with reference to the pertinent literature. The development of clinical, psychological, hormonal, sonographical and auxological parameters that can be expected during GnRH agonist treatment is described in detail. In view of the scant evidence-based knowledge, we review the final outcome of patients treated with GnRH agonists with respect to reversibility of hormonal suppression, reproductive function, final height and side effects. The data published so far show that GnRH agonist treatment using the modern depot preparations is not only convenient but also safe, with relatively minor side effects. The outcome in terms of final height is favourable in the majority of patients.

[Treatment with LHRH analogues in girls with precocious puberty does not improve final height. Longitudinal study compared with a control group]

BACKGROUND

We analysed the effectiveness of therapy with LHRH analogues in girls with a puberty onset at age 8 years.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We performed a non-randomised clinical study of 32 girls with advanced puberty. These included 16 treated with triptorelin LHRH analogue(3.75 mg/month during 1 year) and 16 control subjects. We carried out anthropometric measurements and determined the pubertal height growth (gain in height from the puberty onset up to the final height) and the pubertal duration (time in years from the puberty onset up to the age at which final height is attained).

RESULTS

Treatment with LHRH analogue delayed the menarche age (11.5 [1.46]vs 10.37 [0.67] years of age; p = 0.03), led to an involution in secondary sexual characteristics and a temporary decrease ingrowth rate, and delayed skeletal maturation. However, pubertal duration, pubertal height growth and final height were all similar in both groups. In addition, no significant differences in body fat mass were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with LHRH analogues in advanced puberty modifies pubertal development, without modifying pubertal duration or pubertal height growth. Furthermore, this treatment does not improve final height.

Final height after gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist treatment for central precocious puberty: the Dutch experience

Final height (FH) data of 96 children (87 girls) treated with GnRH agonist for central precocious puberty were studied. In girls mean FH exceeded initial height prediction by 7.4 (5.7) cm (p < 0.001); FH was significantly lower than target height, but still in the genetic target range. When treatment started < 6 years of age, height gain was significantly higher than when started > 8 years of age. Bone age (BA) and chronological age (CA) at start of treatment, as well as BA advance at cessation of treatment, were the most important variables influencing height gain in multiple regression analysis. BA advance at start of treatment was most important in simple correlation. In girls, GnRHa treatment seems to restore FH into the target range. A younger age and advanced bone age at start of treatment are associated with more height gain from GnRHa treatment.

Treatment of central precocious puberty: lessons from a 15 years prospective trial. German Decapeptyl Study Group

There is still controversy about the auxological outcome of GnRH agonist treatment in patients with CPP and about the favorable age and auxological characteristics at start of treatment for achieving a normal final height (FH) or for preserving height potential. We analyzed the FH data of 52 young women from a prospective multicentric trial which was started in 1985. The aim of this analysis was to determine factors that may predict a favorable FH or a good height gain. Chronological age (CA) was 5.2 +/- 2.1 yr (+/- SD) at start of puberty, 6.2 +/- 2.0 yr at start of triptorelin depot treatment, 11.1 +/- 1.1 yr at end of treatment, and 16.7 +/- 2.6 yr at FH evaluation. After 4.8 +/- 2.2 yr (1.1-9.9 yr) of treatment duration, FH was 160.6 +/- 8.0 cm (vs 154.9 +/- 9.6 cm of initial height prediction [PAH], p<0.05). A FH within TH range or in excess of mean TH was achieved by 78% or 41% of patients. FH was above the 3rd percentile of the normal German population in 29% of patients (63% had an initial PAH < 156 cm). The group of patients with start of puberty at age < or = 6 yr (Group 1) showed a significantly higher height gain (FH - initial PAH) and lower height deficit compared to TH than older patients (Group 2). Furthermore, the percentage of patients from Group 1 reaching TH range or mean TH showed a significant increase with GnRH agonist treatment whereas this was not the case in Group 2. Stepwise regression analysis showed that height SDS at end of treatment, age at menarche, bone age (BA) at start of treatment, and BA advancement at end of treatment were determinants of FH (r2=0.923). Initial BA advancement and treatment duration were the factors that explained 68% of the variability of height gain. Although BA advancement at initiation of treatment was negatively associated with FH it was a positive predictor of height gain. In addition, height gain correlated significantly with CA and BA at start of treatment (r= -0.430, p=0.004 and r=0.359, p=0.018). Growth after interruption of treatment had no significant predictive effect on FH. It is concluded that a higher percentage of patients below 6 yr of age at start of puberty do profit from GnRH agonist treatment with respect to achieving a normal FH. BA, BA advancement, and height SDS at treatment start are important factors for determining outcome.

End results in central precocious puberty with GnRH analog treatment: the data of the Italian Study Group for Physiopathology of Puberty

We report some end results with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) treatment in central precocious puberty (CPP), in terms of final height (FH), ovarian function, peak bone mass, body composition and psychological problems. The two studies reported (Study I and II) are part of the activity of the Italian Study Group for Physiopathology of Puberty. Study L Growth data were analyzed of three groups of patients: treated with i.n. spray buserelin, i.m. triptorelin and untreated. Both GnRHa administration modes were effective in arresting pubertal development and all girls had complete recovery of the reproductive axis after therapy. Treated patients showed an improvement in final height in comparison with untreated patients and compared to predicted height at the start of treatment with both agonist treatments. However, patients treated with the long-acting slow release preparation had a better improvement in adult height and reached or exceeded the genetic height potential. Study II. In a retrospective evaluation of the outcome in 71 girls with idiopathic CPP treated with triptorelin, we found that FH fell within the population norm and the target range in 87.3% and 90% of the patients respectively. The tallest FH was recorded in the patients who started therapy at less than 6 years of age and in those who discontinued treatment at a bone age of 12.0-12.5 yr. Finally, we and other groups have recently found normal values of bone mineral density in girls at the end of GnRHa treatment in the great majority of patients.

Randomised trial of LHRH analogue treatment on final height in girls with onset of puberty aged 7.5-8.5 years

OBJECTIVE

To study the effectiveness of luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues in improving final height in girls affected by early puberty.

PATIENTS

Forty six consecutive girls with onset of puberty aged 7.5-8.5 years randomly divided into two groups: one treated with 3.75 mg triptorelin intramuscularly every four weeks (group 1); and the other with no treatment (group 2).

RESULTS

Mean (SD) chronological age at onset of menarche was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (11.9 (1.0) v 10.8 (0.7) years). However, mean (SD) height at menarche (152.7 (7.2) v 152.5 (5.7) cm) and mean (SD) growth after menarche (4.9 (3.0) v 5.4 (2.2) cm) were similar in both groups. The mean (SD) final height was similar in the two groups (group 1, 158.1 (6.2) cm; group 2, 158. 6 (6.0) cm) and not significantly different from target height. Fourteen of 20 patients in group 1 and 12 of 18 patients in group 2 showed final height equal to or higher than target height. Final heights of girls with poor initial height prognosis were significantly lower than those of girls with good prognosis, but in patients with the same initial height prognosis, both groups showed final heights similar and not significantly different from their target heights.

CONCLUSIONS

LHRH analogue has no apparent effect on final height in subjects with onset of puberty between 7.5 and 8.5 years.

Prevention of bone demineralization by calcium supplementation in precocious puberty during gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment

We have previously demonstrated a negative impact on peak bone mass in girls with precocious puberty treated with GnRH agonist (GnRHa). Several studies have shown that a high calcium intake positively influences bone mass in prepubertal girls and leads to a higher peak bone mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation in girls with precocious puberty during GnRHa treatment. Forty girls affected by true central precocious puberty and treated with the GnRHa triptorelin were studied for 2 yr. After diagnosis, the patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group A, treated only with GnRHa; group B, treated for 12 months solely with GnRHa and then supplemented with calcium gluconolactate/carbonate (1 g calcium/day in two doses) for 12 months; and group C, treated from the beginning with combined GnRHa and calcium. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at the beginning of the study and after 12 and 24 months and was expressed as the calculated true volumetric density (BMDv) in milligrams per cm3. Group A showed a decrease in absolute BMDv levels, in SD score for chronological age (CA), and even more in SD score for bone age (BA). Group B showed the same behavior during the first year, but this trend was reversed in the second year, when calcium supplementation was added to GnRHa treatment. Group C showed an increase in absolute BMDv levels and in SD score for CA and BA. BMDv variations (expressed as absolute values, SD score for CA, and SD score for BA) became statistically significant at 24 months between groups C and A (P = 0.036, P = 0.032, and P = 0.025, respectively). The behavior of the lumbar spine BMDv in the three groups is consistent with a positive effect of calcium supplementation during GnRHa treatment. In calcium-supplemented patients, the normal process of bone mass accretion at puberty is preserved despite GnRHa treatment. Therefore, the reduction in BMD during GnRHa treatment in girls with precocious puberty is at least completely reversible and preventable if calcium supplementation is associated from the beginning.

Adult height in girls with central precocious puberty treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues and growth hormone

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 microg/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 x week s.c., 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.

Final height in girls with slowly progressive untreated central precocious puberty

A group of six girls with slowly progressive idiopathic precocious puberty (IPP) and a good initial height prognosis was followed without treatment. At first observation the girls had a bone age advance over chronological age of no more than 18 months, a delta height age (delta HA): delta bone age (delta BA) ratio higher than 0.9 and height prognosis was unimpaired after 6 months. During the first two years of follow-up the girls maintained an acceptable height potential. The delta HA:delta BA ratio remained constant at greater than 0.9. Predicted height showed a slight increase or decrease (+/- 4 cm). The girls were reevaluated after the age of 14 years and followed-up until they reached their final height (FH). The mean FH (155.4 +/- 2.8 cm) was below the mean target height (159.3 +/- 4.2 cm) by 3.9 cm (range -2.1 to -6.7 cm); this difference was not statistically significant. The FH was more than 5 cm below the target height in only one case; this girl had the most precocious onset of puberty, at 6 years of age. In three cases FH was between the 3rd and 10th centiles. These three girls had a target height below 158 cm (< 25th centile). Girls with slowly progressive IPP and a good initial height prognosis preserved height potential with an acceptable final height without therapy.

New aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of pubertal disorders

Recent developments in biochemistry, genetics, and clinical research have produced a profound effect on the understanding of normal and abnormal puberty. This article is intended to point out selected new developments that affect the understanding of puberty and clinical practice in disorders of puberty.