Diagnosis of central precocious puberty: endocrine assessment

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Jul:13 Suppl 1:709-15. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2000.13.s1.709.

Abstract

The new methods which are currently available have provided substantial help in performing the differential diagnosis of CPP, especially in detecting very early modifications of gonadotropin secretion. Nocturnal sampling is not a practical tool and generates discomfort for patients, and daytime samples do not yet have sufficient sensitivity; thus, determination of LH levels after GnRH stimulation is the most important test. We emphasize that the use of the GnRH agonist test improves the discrimination of the endocrine investigation, making it easier to differentiate CPP from other conditions, such as thelarche. Determination of sex steroids is necessary, but its use in isolation is not recommended.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / complications
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Endocrine Glands / physiopathology
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / blood
  • Gonadotropins / blood
  • Gonadotropins / urine
  • Humans
  • Puberty, Precocious / diagnosis*
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology*
  • Puberty, Precocious / physiopathology

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Gonadotropins