Steroidal induction of the premature growth spurt in prepubertal boys for excessive height.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Five prepubertal males ranging in age from 8–11 and whose estimated heights were all over 195 cm were treated by the induction of a premature puberty with testosterone oenanthate 200 mg twice monthly for 9 months in 4 and 5 months in one. During the first 8 months their linear growth increase ranged between 13.7 and 6.4 cm. There was also a corresponding sharp increase in weight of as much as 17.24 kg in one patient. The bone age advanced 51 months in a 9 year old boy, while in the eldest, age 11, the advance was only 24 months. There is a definite lag in the radiological evidence of epiphyseal acceleration for the first 3–4 months of anabolic therapy. After discontinuation of therapy, evidence of acceleration may persist for a like period. The final height of 4 boys is far under the estimated height on the Bayley table, the fifth is still not determined. Genital development and secondary sex characteristics were noted after the first month of therapy. The growth spurt induced by testosterone oenanthate duplicated that normally seen in the 12–14 year old boy. There is no psychic disturbance by the induction of puberty.