Treatment of central precocious puberty.

The problems of central precocious puberty (CPP) are serious enough to the patient to deserve treatment. There is a general consensus among paediatric endocrinologists that the treatment of true CPP (i.e., in children young enough to have a formal diagnosis) is indicated in many cases. In children with modestly early puberty who are not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria, this is not the case. The treatment of choice is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. Prolonged analogues are more effective than short-acting ones and, most importantly, independent of patient compliance. Data on agonists have accumulated over two decades and evidence of effects is rich in girls but sparse in boys. GnRH agonists are generally effective and safe drugs; the suppression of puberty is reversible and there is much information on GnRH agonists for the treatment of CPP showing very few adverse effects and the effects on final height are well documented in girls < 6 years of age. There is some (but not highly convincing) evidence for their effect on final height for those of 6 - 8 years of age and there is no evidence for an increase in final height after the age of 8 years in girls. If a decision to have treatment is taken, treatment should start immediately as a possible benefit is less probable if the start of treatment is delayed. When treatment should be stopped is a matter of controversy. Combination with growth hormone increases final height, but the clinical relevance can be discussed as well as the health economy aspects. The limits of indications are still to be defined.