Peripheral precocious puberty: causes and current management.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral precocious puberty (PPP) results from sex steroid exposure by a process other than activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is much less common than central precocious puberty and may be congenital or acquired. Causes of PPP range from well-characterized genetic mutations to those conditions without a known etiology (idiopathic). Medical evaluation and treatment of affected children is guided by the presenting features and ultimate diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Carefully executed and collaborative multicenter investigations are essential to expand our knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology, optimal therapy and ultimate outcomes in children with PPP.