Hyperprolactinemia after treatment of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue Decapeptyl in girls with central precocious puberty.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the effects of prolonged treatment with long-acting GnRH analogue on serum PRL levels.

DESIGN

Blood PRL levels were measured at 9 A.M. every 28 days for a period of 6 months.

SETTING

Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, Hasharon Hospital, Petah Tiqva, Israel.

PATIENTS: Thirteen girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

RESULTS

Hyperprolactinemia developed in 5 of 13 girls after treatment with long-acting GnRH-a; mean blood PRL in all 13 girls rose significantly from 11.9 +/- 5.6 to 21.5 +/- 12.5 micrograms/L (mean +/- SD).

CONCLUSIONS

The mechanism of hyperprolactinemia in our patients is unclear. It may have resulted from a decline in the release of the hypothalamic PRL inhibitory factor. Clinically, transient hyperprolactinemia during long-acting GnRH-a treatment for central precocious puberty also may reflect a constant depression of LH secretion.