The Effect of GnRH Analogs on Body Mass Index in Girls with Central Precocious Puberty: A Single-Center Retrospective Study with a Literature Review
<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Central precocious puberty (CPP) is defined by the premature onset of secondary sexual characteristics prior to the age of 8 and 9 years in girls and boys, respectively. The administration of GnRH analogs (GnRH-a) has become a cornerstone in the management o...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Children |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/12/3/336 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background/Objectives:</b> Central precocious puberty (CPP) is defined by the premature onset of secondary sexual characteristics prior to the age of 8 and 9 years in girls and boys, respectively. The administration of GnRH analogs (GnRH-a) has become a cornerstone in the management of CPP, but effects on metabolic processes, particularly body mass index (BMI), remain a subject of ongoing investigation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between GnRH-a treatment and BMI changes in a cohort of Italian children with CPP. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 34 girls with idiopathic CPP, all treated with GnRH-a. Anthropometric parameters including BMI were collected at three time points: baseline, one year after treatment, and one year after treatment cessation. A comprehensive review of the medical literature concerning GnRH-a and BMI was performed. <b>Results:</b> Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon and McNemar tests revealed a significant increase in BMI-for-age <i>z</i>-scores after one year of GnRH-a, with a slight increase also observed one year post-treatment of CPP. These findings suggest that GnRH-a treatment contributes to an increase in BMI, particularly in CPP children with a normal weight at baseline, although the overall impact on the progression of obesity remains minimal. A review of the existing literature supports the notion that changes in BMI during GnRH-a treatment are influenced by various factors, including baseline BMI, gender, and metabolic processes. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite our findings suggesting the potential impact of GnRH-a on BMI, further longitudinal studies are necessary to fully understand the long-term metabolic consequences of GnRH-a therapy in children with CPP. |
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| ISSN: | 2227-9067 |