Central precocious puberty in girls: Diagnostic study and auxological response to triptorelin treatment

Abstract

Introduction: There are several controversies regarding the diagnostic tests and management of central precocious puberty (CPP). The aim of this study is to present the experience acquired in a group of girls with CPP treated with triptorelin, and to analyze the auxological characteristics and diagnostic tests.

Material and methods: An observational, retrospective study in a group of 60 girls with CPP was conducted between January 2010 and December 2017. Sociodemographic, auxological and hormonal data were recorded at diagnosis, and pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the head were performed. Girls were treated with triptorelin and monitored after treatment discontinuation until menarche.

Results: At treatment start, chronological age and bone age were 7.7±0.7 and 9.7±0.8 years respectively, and growth velocity was 8.3±1.6cm/year. Target height was 161.1±5.8cm. Peak LH level after stimulation was 16.6±12.1 IU/l. Ovarian volumes were greater than 3mL in 35% of cases. MRI of the head was pathological in seven girls (11.7%). At treatment completion, chronological age and bone age were 10.3±1.1 and 11.2±0.8 years respectively, and growth velocity was 4.7±1.4cm/year. At the age of menarche (11.9±0.9 years), height was 157.5±5.7cm.

Conclusions: Treatment of CPP with triptorelin appears to be beneficial. The possibility to block pubertal development and slow skeletal maturation allows patients to reach their target height. However, individualized auxological monitoring would be mandatory.

Keywords: Análogos de hormona liberadora de gonadotropinas; Auxological characteristics; Central precocious puberty; Estudio auxológico; Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues; Pubertad precoz central; Triptorelin; Triptorelina.