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Central Precocious Puberty: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment

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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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Conflict of interest

Dr. Chen has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Dr. Eugster participates in clinical trials investigating treatment of CPP, funded by Endo Pharmaceuticals. No sources of funding were used to support the writing of this article.

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  1. Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Room # 5960, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Melinda Chen & Erica A. Eugster

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  1. Melinda Chen
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  2. Erica A. Eugster
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Correspondence to Melinda Chen.

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Chen, M., Eugster, E.A. Central Precocious Puberty: Update on Diagnosis and Treatment. Pediatr Drugs 17, 273–281 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40272-015-0130-8

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