Clinical and laboratory spectrum in central precocious puberty: A comprehensive analysis

Abstract

Background: Central precocious puberty (CPP) is the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to premature secondary sexual development in children. Understanding its clinical and laboratory spectrum is vital for timely diagnosis and management. This study aimed to assess the spectrum of central precocious puberty in children. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, from July 2023 to June 2024. Using purposive sampling, 33 children with clinical and laboratory-confirmed CPP were included. Data were analyzed using MS Office tools. Results: The mean age of participants was 7.3±1.8 years, with 32 females (97.0%) and 1 male (3.0%). Breast enlargement was the most common complaint (97.0%), present in all females, with 12.1% also having pubic and axillary hair. One female (3.0%) had menarche. The male participant had Stage 3 gonadal and pubic hair development, Stage 1 axillary hair, and a 7.5 cm stretched penile length. Idiopathic precocious puberty was most common (87.9%). Elevated LH (84.8%) and elevated estradiol (72.7%) were notable findings. MRI detected microadenoma (9.1%). Conclusion: Central precocious puberty is characterized by early pubertal onset and advanced bone age. Idiopathic cases are common, particularly in girls. Leuprolide acetate effectively halts progression, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to optimize growth and developmental outcomes.