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Published in: Pediatric Drugs 4/2015

01-08-2015 | Therapy in Practice

Central Precocious Puberty: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

Authors: Melinda Chen, Erica A. Eugster

Published in: Pediatric Drugs | Issue 4/2015

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Abstract

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is characterized by the same biochemical and physical features as normally timed puberty but occurs at an abnormally early age. Most cases of CPP are seen in girls, in whom it is usually idiopathic. In contrast, ~50 % of boys with CPP have an identifiable cause. The diagnosis of CPP relies on clinical, biochemical, and radiographic features. Untreated, CPP has the potential to result in early epiphyseal fusion and a significant compromise in adult height. Thus, the main goal of therapy is preservation of height potential. The gold-standard treatment for CPP is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs (GnRHa). Numerous preparations with a range of delivery systems and durations of action are commercially available. While the outcomes of patients treated for CPP have generally been favorable, more research about the psychological aspects, optimal monitoring, and long-term effects of all forms of GnRHa treatment is needed. Several potential therapeutic alternatives to GnRHa exist and await additional investigation.
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Metadata
Title
Central Precocious Puberty: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors
Melinda Chen
Erica A. Eugster
Publication date
01-08-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Pediatric Drugs / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 1174-5878
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-015-0130-8

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