A Study of Anthropomorphic and Biochemical Characteristics in Girls with Central Precocious Puberty and Thelarche Variant

Background Premature thelarche in later childhood may progress to central precocious puberty (CPP), which does not spontaneously resolve. Thelarche variant (TV) is a slowly progressive variant of precocious puberty. Aim To determine and compare levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and anthropomorphic measures in girls with TV and CPP. Subjects Prepubertal controls and girls with TV and CPP. Methods Chronological and bone age, weight, height, BMI, height velocity (HV), and serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3, leptin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH) levels were assessed. Results Serum IGF-I levels, HV and IGF-I/ IGFBP-3 ratio were significantly higher in girls with CPP compared to both controls and girls with TV. IGFBP-3 values for bone age (IGFBP-3BA) were significantly higher in the TV group compared to both controls and girls with CPP. FSH and LH concentrations were significantly higher in the CPP group compared to TV. Conclusion HV, IGF-I, LH and FSH levels and IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio are elevated in girls with CPP compared to those with TV.