Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analog Treatment Research Articles

Sterile abscess formation with two different GnRH analogues: Three case reports

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) have been used safely for many years in the treatment of precocious puberty. Although rare, pain, swelling, and erythema at the injection site are known local side effects in patients receiving GnRHa treatment and are temporary. Sterile abscess development is also one of the rare local side effects. Here, we present three cases of treatment failure due to the development of sterile abscesses after GnRHa therapy. Sterile abscesses developed in three girls who were followed up with a diagnosis of precocious/progressive puberty respectively in 4., 12. and 5. doses of GnRHa treatment. In the first case, a sterile abscess recurred despite the therapy being switched to another preparation. We had to follow up without treatment in three of our cases. Although sterile abscess is a rare side effect, it is essential as it causes patients to be left untreated. In these cases, the drug’s active substance accumulates in the localization at the sterile abscess and cannot be absorbed, so it cannot enter the systemic circulation. Therefore, puberty cannot be suppressed. Also, a remaining scar is annoying for patients and their families.

Girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty did not display substatial changes in body mass index after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.

To evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI) in girls during and after treatment for idiopathic central precocious puberty (iCPP). We studied 123 girls receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa)treatment for iCPP from 2009 to 2019. Pubertal and anthropometric measurements were monitored at routine clinical visits. BMI standard deviation scores (SDS) were estimated at baseline and followed in two stages from baseline to end of treatment (median 18.9 months) and from end of treatment to end of follow-up (median 18.2 months). The influence of baseline BMI SDS and the frequency and dose of treatment was evaluated using BMI trajectories and latent class mixed models. The median age at treatment initiation was 8.5 years. The median BMI SDS at baseline was 0.7, corresponding to a median BMI of 17.4 kg/m2 . Overall, no changes in BMI SDS were observed during treatment. According to baseline BMI subgroups, an increasing trend in BMI trajectories during treatment was observed for girls in the lowest BMI group. After treatment, most girls maintained stable BMI levels. Our retrospective study did not provide evidence that GnRHa treatment for iCPP had a significant impact on BMI trajectories in girls.

The effect of GnRH analog treatment on BMI in children treated for precocious puberty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the effect of GnRHa treatment on the BMI of children with precocious puberty after GnRHa treatment as compared to before, and to analyze the effect of GnRHa treatment on the body composition of children with precocious puberty at different BMIs by classifying into normal body mass, overweight, and obese groups according to BMI at the time of initial diagnosis. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), and Wan fang database for relevant literature on standard deviation score of body mass index (BMI-SDS) after GnRHa treatment as compared to before in children with precocious puberty. A total of eight studies were included with a total sample size of 715 cases, and the results of meta-analysis showed that BMI-SDS increased in children with precocious puberty after GnRHa treatment as compared to before starting [(weighted mean difference (WMD)=0.23, 95 % CI: 0.14-0.33, p=0.000)] and also increased in children with normal body mass [(WMD=0.37, 95 % CI: 0.28-0.46, p=0.000)], and there was no significant change in BMI-SDS in children in the overweight or obese group [(WMD=0.01, 95 % CI:-0.08-0.10, p=0.775)]. Overall, there was an observed increase in BMI-SDS at the conclusion of GnRHa treatment in children with precocious puberty. Additionally, it was found that the effect of GnRHa treatment on body composition varied among children with different BMI status. Clinicians should emphasize the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and personalized dietary managementfor children.

The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment on the endocrine system incentral precocious puberty patients: a meta-analysis.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRHa) is the first choice for the treatment of patients with central precocious puberty (CPP). However, the effects of GnRHa on the endocrine system of CPP patients, including insulin sensitivity, lipid level, thyroid function, bone mineral density (BMD), and testosterone (T)level, are currently contradictory. Therefore, the long-term safety of GnRHa therapy remains controversial. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases. The changes in HOMA-IR, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, TSH, FT3, FT4, T, and BMD in CPP patients before and after GnRHa treatment were compared by meta-analysis. As the heterogeneity between studies, we estimated standard deviation mean differences (SMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Egger's test was used to assess publication bias. A total of 22 studies were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with before GnRHa treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in endocrine indicators including HOMA-IR, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, TSH, FT4, FT3, T, and BMD of CPP patients treated with GnRHa. Treatment with GnRHa for central precocious puberty will not increase the adverse effect on the endocrine system.

Considerations on the improvement of height benefit in children with central precocious puberty

With the changes in various factors such as genetics and the environment, the incidence of childhood precocious puberty has been gradually increasing. Improving height is one of the key issues in the clinical management of precocious puberty. Currently, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) remain the preferred treatment for precocious puberty, but their effect on height improvement is influenced by multiple factors, which may result in lower-than-expected height benefits. Combining recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy with GnRHa treatment is an alternative strategy to enhance the efficacy of GnRHa, but there is still no clear recommendation regarding the timing of their combination. Considering the current status of precocious puberty treatment, it is crucial to reevaluate the effects of GnRHa monotherapy and combination therapy with rhGH on height improvement. This article discusses strategies such as combination therapy indications to guide clinical medication and help children with precocious puberty achieve optimal height benefits.

Синхронизация на еструса при овце от Синтетична популация българска млечна чрез прогестаген и различни последващи третирания

The aim of the present study was to induce estrus synchronization in ewes after administration of progestagen for 12 days and various subsequent treatments (with FFA, GnRH analogue or no treatment) after cessation of its action. The experiment was conducted in August, 2022, with 27 sheep from the Synthetic Bulgarian Dairy Population. All ewes were treated with vaginal sponges, containing 30 mg FGA (duration of stay - 12 days) and the formation of experimental groups was according to follow-up treatment after sponge removal: I group - experimental animals were treated with 400 UI of PMSG at the time of removal of sponges. II group - the sheep were treated with 1 ml of GnRH analogue, containing busorelin acetate 0.004 mg/ml, 24 hours after sponge removal. III group – no treatment after sponge removal. The next parameters were studied: estrus synchronization rate, fertility and fecundity were studied. The estrus synchronization rate was the highest for I group - 100% and the lowest for II group - 66.67%. Fertility was highest in III group - 87.50%, and lowest in II group - 50.0%. Fecundity was highest in I group - 171.43%, while in other groups it was 133.33% and 128.57%, respectively, for II group and III group. Based on the obtained results, it could be concluded that GnRH analogue treatment, given solely 24 hours after sponge removal, didn’t have the synchronization effect as the classical follow- up treatment with PMSG. No follow-up treatment after sponge removal was better alternative that GnRH treatment.

Back to the Future: Is GnRHa Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Only an Extended Evaluation Phase?

The role of body modifications induced by gonadal suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents on psychological functioning has not yet been evaluated. The main aim of the present study was to explore several hormone, physical and psychological functioning changes during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment in transgender and gender diverse adolescents (TGDAs). The potential relationship between the physical and hormone effects of GnRHa and psychological well-being, along with its magnitude, was assessed for the first time. This prospective multidisciplinary study included 36 TGDA (22 assigned female at birth, and 14 assigned male at birth) who received psychological assessment followed by triptorelin prescription after referring to the Florence Gender Clinic. This study consisted of 3 time points: first referral (T0), psychological assessment (T1); and treatment with intramuscular injections of triptorelin for 3 up to 12 months (T2). Psychometric questionnaires were administered at each time point, and clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed at T1 and T2. The following results were found: (1) GnRHa showed efficacy in inhibiting puberty progression in TGDAs; (2) an increase in psychopathology was observed before starting GnRHa (T1) compared with baseline levels; (3) during GnRHa treatment (T2), a significant improvement in psychological functioning, as well as decrease in suicidality, body uneasiness, depression, and anxiety levels were observed; (4) hormone and physical changes (in terms of gonadotropin and sex steroid levels, height and body mass index percentiles, waist-hip ratio, and acne severity) observed during triptorelin treatment significantly correlated with a reduction in suicidal ideation, anxiety, and body image concerns. Psychological improvement in TGDA on GnRHa seems to be related to the objective body changes induced by a GnRHa. Therefore, the rationale for treatment with a GnRHa may not only be considered an extension of the evaluation phase, but also the start of a medical (even if reversible) gender-affirming path, especially in TGDAs whose puberty has already progressed.

Longitudinal assessment of auxological parameters, adult height outcome and its determinants in leuprolide-treated Indian girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

To assess auxological parameters, adult height outcome and its determinants in Indian girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (iCPP) treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa). Retrospective study. Inclusion: data on girls with iCPP from initiation to stopping GnRHa (n=179). Exclusion: boys, peripheral, organic central precocity. Mean age of starting GnRHa: 8.2± 1.1 years, duration: 2.8± 1.2 years. 11.7 % had attained menarche at first presentation. The difference between bone (BA) and chronological (CA) ages reduced significantly from 2.6± 0.9 years (onset) to 1.6± 0.8 years (cessation). Weight, BMI Z-scores increased (p<0.01), height Z-scores decreased (0.8 vs. 0.6; p<0.01), predicted adult height (PAH) and Z-scores improved by 3.5 cm, 0.5 SDS following treatment (p<0.01). Overweight/obese girls (vs. normal BMI) were taller, with more advanced BA at starting (height Z-score: 0.7 vs. 1.0, BA-CA: 2.2 vs. 2.9 years), stopping (height Z-score: 0.5 vs. 0.9, BA-CA: 1.4 vs. 1.9 years) treatment, but showed no difference in PAH at starting, stopping treatment. Adult height data (n=58) revealed 1.9 cm gain above target height. Adult height Z-scores significantly exceeded target height Z-scores (p<0.01). Mean adult height (157.1± 5.8 cm) crossed PAH at starting treatment (155.9± 6.4 cm) but remained 1.6 cm lesser than PAH at cessation. Adult weight, BMI Z-scores (-0.2± 1.3,-0.1± 1.2) were significantly lower (p<0.01) than those at stopping GnRHa. Height gain adjusted for age at starting GnRHa correlated negatively with height, weight, BMI, Tanner-staging, BA, FSH, Estradiol at treatment onset, BA at cessation, and correlated positively with treatment duration. GnRHa treatment in Indian girls with iCPP resulted in improved PAH, decelerated bone age advancement and growth velocity. Most girls achieved adult height within target range, surpassing PAH at treatment initiation. Lesser anthropometric, sexual, skeletal maturity, lower baseline FSH, estradiol, longer treatment duration, less advanced BA at stopping GnRHa may translate into better adult height outcomes.

Relevance of augmented kisspeptin signaling through H364 KISS1R in central precocious puberty

Understanding the pathophysiology of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) is essential, in view of its consequences on reproductive health and metabolic disorders in later life. Towards this, estimation of circulating levels of the neuropeptides, viz; Kisspeptin (Kp-10), Neurokinin B (NKB) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY), acting upstream to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), has shown promise. Insights can also be gained from functional studies on genetic variations implicated in ICPP. This study investigated the pathophysiology of ICPP in a girl by exploring the therapeutic relevance of the circulating levels of Kp-10, NKB, NPY and characterizing the nonsynonymous KISS1R variant, L364H, that she harbours, in a homozygous condition. Plasma levels of Kp-10, NKB and NPY before and after GnRH analog (GnRHa) treatment, were determined by ELISA. It was observed that GnRHa treatment resulted in suppression of circulating levels of Kp-10, NKB and NPY. Further, the H364 variant in KISS1R was generated by site directed mutagenesis. Post transient transfection of either L364 or H364 KISS1R variant in CHO cells, receptor expression was ascertained by western blotting, indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Kp-10 stimulated signalling response was also determined by phospho-ERK and inositol phosphate production. Structure-function studies revealed that, although the receptor expression in H364 KISS1R was comparable to L364 KISS1R, there was an enhanced signalling response through this variant at high doses of Kp-10. Thus, elevated levels of Kp-10, acting through H364 KISS1R, contributed to the manifestation of ICPP, providing further evidence that dysregulation of Kp-10/KISS1R axis impacts the onset of puberty.

THU194 Growth Pattern And Related Predictors Of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analog Treatment In Girls With Precocious Puberty

Abstract Disclosure: L. Ouyang: None. F. Yang: None. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the height growth pattern during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) and early and fast puberty (EFP), calculate the incidence of prominent height deceleration and explore the relevant predictors of prominent height deceleration, which may provide useful information for the application of GnRHa as treatement and other adjunctive treatments such as growth hormone (GH). Methods: Ninety-nine girls diagnosed with CPP and 47 girls with EFP were enrolled in this retrospective analysis, they were treated with GnRHa from 6 months to 2 years. Clinical indicators such as hormone levels, bone age (BA), and B-ultrasound indicators were included and shown every 6 months. The growth velocity (GV) of height and the change of height standard deviation score (SDS) were shown every 6 months and once a year. The incidence of height deceleration was calculated in both the first and second years of GnRHa treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the predictive indicators of height deceleration. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between girls with CPP and EFP in physical growth indicators, hormone levels, BA, BA advancement, and B-ultrasound indicators at the time of diagnosis (P &amp;lt; 0.05); however, these statistical differences gradually disappeared as treatment progressed. The treatment of GnRHa decreases the GV, BA, and levels of hormones in girls with CPP and EFP. The GV during GnRHa treatment in two groups reached a trough at 18 months, followed by a gradual rebound, but the rebound was significantly greater in CPP than in girls with EFP. The GV of girls with CPP was higher than that of girls with EFP, and the decrease in height-SDS of girls with EFP was more than girls with CPP during the entire of GnRHa treatment. The incidence of growth deceleration in CPP in the first and second year of treatment was 17.35% (17/98) and 42.86% (24/56), and EFP was 25.53% (12/47) and 76.92% (10/13), respectively. No significant indicators predicted the occurrence of growth deceleration (P&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions: GnRHa is effective in slowing the GV of height, the maturation of BA, and hormone levels in patients with precocious puberty, and the treatment time of 2 years or more can lead to an adult height benefit. The girls with EFP seem to suffer more damage in GV, which might affect AH, so the use of GnRHa in treating EFP should be done with more caution than in CPP. An adequate period of observation in CPP is needed before adjunctive treatments such as GH are used due to the height ascent in the later stage of treatment (18 months to 24 months). None of the factors we studied predicted the incidence of height deceleration during the period of GnRHa treatment. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy and Longitudinal Bone Mineral Density in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for early puberty. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) is frequently used and can decrease bone mineral density (BMD). Our aim was to investigate the effect of GnRHa therapy on BMD in a longitudinal study of patients with CAH spanning both childhood and adulthood. Sixty-one patients with classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (20 treated with GnRHa) were followed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans at puberty onset, attainment of adult height, and during early adulthood. Whole body, lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and distal radius BMD z-score at adult height. Longitudinal BMD and adult height were also assessed. Twenty patients received GnRHa for an average of 4.5 ± 2 years. There were no differences in BMD between GnRHa-treated and -untreated groups at adult height for all sites. Overall, the follow-up DXA during early adulthood showed decreases in BMD z-scores for whole body (P = .01), lumbar spine (P < .0001), femoral neck (P = .06), total hip (P = .009), and distal radius (P = .05). GnRHa treatment correlated with improved height outcomes compared to predicted height at puberty onset after adjusting for midparental height (P = .02). Patients in both groups achieved similar adult height. In children with CAH, GnRHa does not compromise BMD. However, BMD decreases with time and during the second and third decades of life is a possible effect of chronic supraphysiologic glucocorticoids. Children with CAH who experience early puberty benefit from GnRHa treatment as evidenced by the positive effect on height.

Prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Girls with a History of Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty

Introduction: The prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in adolescent girls is between 1 and 4.3%. It remains controversial whether women with a history of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) are at increased risk for PCOS. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of PCOS in adolescents with a history of ICPP compared with healthy adolescents and the prevalence of PCOS among ICPP girls who have received or not gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) treatment. Methods: We assessed post-menarcheal girls with a history of ICPP. Girls were evaluated at gynecological age ≥2.5 years. Data collected were age at menarche, menstrual cycle characteristics, BMI, clinical hyperandrogenism (HA), total and free testosterone levels. PCOS diagnosis was defined by criteria for adolescents. Subjects were also analyzed regarding whether or not they had received GnRHa treatment. Results: Ninety-four subjects were assessed, and 63 had been treated with GnRHa. Menstrual disorders were found in 29%, clinical HA in 36%, and biochemical HA in 23%. Twelve percent met the diagnostic criteria for PCOS. There was no difference in BMI or in the incidence of menstrual dysfunction or hyperandrogenemia between treated and untreated patients. A higher proportion of clinical HA was found in untreated patients when compared to treated girls. The relative risk (RR) of developing PCOS in ICPP girls was 2.5 compared to a population of healthy adolescents. This RR was not higher in patients who received treatment with GnRHa than in those who did not. Conclusion: Adolescent girls with a history of ICPP have an increased risk of PCOS. This risk seems not to be related to GnRHa treatment.

Incidence of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in Individuals With Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogue Treatment for Gender Dysphoria in Sweden

This cohort study examines the incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IHH) among individuals in Sweden undergoing gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) treatment for gender dysphoria.

A systematic review of hormone treatment for children with gender dysphoria and recommendations for research.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects on psychosocial and mental health, cognition, body composition, and metabolic markers of hormone treatment in children with gender dysphoria. Systematic review essentially following PRISMA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and thirteen other databases until 9 November 2021 for English-language studies of hormone therapy in children with gender dysphoria. Of 9,934 potential studies identified with abstracts reviewed, 195 were assessed in full text, and 24 were relevant. In 21 studies, adolescents were given Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) treatment. In three studies, cross-sex hormone treatment (CSHT) was given without previous GnRHa treatment. No randomised controlled trials were identified. The few longitudinal observational studies were hampered by small numbers, and high attrition rates. Hence, the long-term effects of hormone therapy on psychosocial health could not be evaluated. Concerning bone health, GnRHa treatment delays bone maturation and bone mineral density gain, however found to partially recover during CSHT when studied at age 22 years. Evidence to assess the effects of hormone treatment on the above fields in children with gender dysphoria are insufficient. To improve future research, we present the GENDHOR checklist, a checklist for studies in gender dysphoria.

Leptin/adiponectin ratio as a prognostic factor for increased weight gain in girls with central precocious puberty.

To determine if the leptin, adiponectin, and leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) can predict weight gain at the end of GnRH analogs (GnRHa) treatment in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Study design: prospective cohort. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were determined at diagnosis of CPP. Anthropometry was performed at diagnosis of CPP and every six-months, until treatment with GnRHa was discontinued and they presented menarche. Patients were divided according to BMI<94 and BMI>95 percentile at diagnosis of CPP. The outcome was the increased in weight gain (e.g., from normal weight to overweight) at the end of follow-up. Statistical analysis: repeated measures ANOVA test and Student's t-test were used to compare groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of leptin and adiponectin levels, as well as LAR values with increased weight gain. Fifty-six CPP patients were studied, 18 had BMI >95 percentile and 38 BMI <94 percentile. Of the 18 patients who initially had BMI >95th, two patients went from obesity to overweight, while among the 38 patients who started with BMI <94th, 21 (55.2%) increased their weight gain at the end of follow-up. This last group had higher leptin levels (8.99 ± 0.6 vs 6.14 ± 0.8, p=0.005) and higher LAR values compared to those who remained in the same weight (1.3 ± 0.5 vs 0.96 ± 0.56, p=0.01). In the logistic regression analysis, it was found that higher leptin levels and higher LAR values were associated with increased weight gain (RR 1.31, 95%CI 1.03-1.66, RR 4.86, 95%CI 1.10-21.51, respectively), regardless of birth weight, pubertal stage, age, and bone/chronological age ratio. In patients with CPP, leptin levels and higher LAR values appear to be associated with significantly greater weight gain during GhRHa treatment, particularly in girls starting with BMI < 94 percentile.

Development and validation of a model for predicting the adult height of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

A model for predicting the AH of girls with ICPP was developed incorporating the variables of height SDS, height SDS for bone age, and target height. The internal and external validation ensures an appropriate degree of discrimination and calibration of the prediction model. •Uncertainty prevails as how to predict the adult height of patients with central precocious puberty following gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment. • Previous models for predicting adult height of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty have not been proven translational to the Chinese population. •This study develops a new model for predicting the adult height of idiopathic central precocious puberty girls who underwent gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment. • The internal and external validation assures a good degree of discrimination and calibration of the prediction model in this study.

A Clinical Study of Girls With Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty and Psychological Behavior Problems.

To understand the psychological effects on behavior of girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and to explore the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) in the reversal or blocking of the negative psychological effects on behaviors of girls with ICPP. A total of 100 girls with ICPP diagnosed at the Department of Endocrinology of Jiangxi Children's Hospital were divided into the treatment group and observation group with 50 cases in each group. The control group consisted of 50 healthy girls examined at our hospital during the same period. The Achenbach Child Behavior Check List ([CBCL] for parents) was used to evaluate the psychological effects on behavior of the girls diagnosed with ICPP and the girls in the control group, and the scores of related behavioral factors were calculated. At the same time, the psychological effects on behaviors of the girls with ICPP treated with GnRHa were followed up. (1) There were 100 girls with ICPP and 30 with behavioral problems. There were 50 normal healthy girls (control group) with 3 cases of behavior problems. Of the 50 girls with ICPP, after treatment, 8 had behavioral issues. The rate of abnormal psychological effects on behavior in the group of girls with ICPP before treatment was significantly higher than in the control group (P < .01), and after treatment, the rate was lower than before treatment (P < .05). (2) The scores of depression, social withdrawal, poor communication, and school discipline violation in the ICPP group were higher than those in the control group, with a statistical significance (P < .01). (3) After 24 months of GnRHa treatment for girls in the ICPP group, the scores of 4 factors, including depression, social withdrawal, poor communication, and violation of discipline in the Achenbach CBCL, were significantly different before and after treatment (P < .05). (1) Girls with ICPP have low self-esteem, low self-confidence, high incidences of psychological effects on behavior problems, manifested in depression, withdrawal, poor communication, discipline violations, and other aspects; (2) GnRHa treatment can reverse the low self-esteem and low self-confidence of girls with ICPP to varying degrees.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and recombinant human growth hormone treatment for idiopathic central precocious puberty in girls.

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) in combination with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Clinical data of 80 girls diagnosed with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) between January 2017 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment strategy involved GnRHa alone (group A: n=34) and GnRHa+rhGH (group B: n=46). Children's heights (Ht), weights (Wt) and sex hormone levels were measured every 3 months after treatment and bone age (BA) every six months. Heights, growth velocity (GV), predicted adult height (PAH), weights, body mass index (BMI), sex hormone levels and bone age were compared between the two groups. Children in group B showed greater height gain at the 12th, 24th and 30th months after treatment (p<0.05) than those in group A, had faster growth rates in the first and second year following treatment (p<0.05) and better PAH (p<0.05). No statistical differences in weight or BMI were found between the two groups before treatment or at any time after treatment (p>0.05). Levels of LH and FSH were lower in both groups after treatment with no statistical differences between groups (p>0.05). The gap between bone age and chronological age gradually decreased in both groups and no abnormal progression of bone age or other adverse side effects occurred. The combination of GnRHa with rhGH produced better height gains than GnRHa alone for patients with CPP. The gonadal axis was suppressed and progression of bone age delayed with good safety and efficacy.

Perceptions and use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with precocious puberty.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the use of CAM in children with central precocious puberty (PP) who used gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment. Parents of 108 patients who were diagnosed as having PP were involved in the study. A questionnaire was administered to the parents during follow-ups. The patients were divided into two groups according to the use of CAM. Forty (37%) patients had used CAM. Parents who graduated from primary school tended not to use CAM (χ 2 =10.463; p=0.015). There was no other statistically significant difference between the sociodemographic features (p>0.05). The most common information source was physicians (40%). Seventy-five percentage of CAM users and 44.1% of non-CAM users knew/heard about herbal medicine (χ 2 =8.517; p=0.004) and herbal medicine was the most common type of CAM used. 80% of parents in the CAM group and 54.4% of parents in the non-CAM group knew at least one biologically based therapy that had estrogenic activity (χ 2 =6.082; p=0.014). Seventy-one percentage of parents in the CAM group and 29% of parents in the non-CAM group stated that they would consider using CAM in the future (χ 2 =16.979; p<0.001). The use of CAM among patients with PP is high. Although most CAM therapies are harmless, there may be adverse effects or drug interactions with current conventional treatment in children. Health professionals should be aware and inquire about the use and type of CAM, considering the medical history at every patient encounter.

Trans girls grow tall: adult height is unaffected by GnRH analogue and estradiol treatment

Trans girls grow tall: adult height is unaffected by GnRH analogue and estradiol treatment