Suppression of gonadotropin secretion by a long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (leuprolide acetate, Lupron Depot) in children with precocious puberty.

The GnRH analog leuprolide acetate has been shown to be effective in the treatment of precocious puberty when given as a daily sc injection. We studied the effectiveness of a single im dose of a new depot form of leuprolide in suppressing estradiol and gonadotropin secretion in children with precocity. Five girls with previously untreated precocity showed significant decreases in basal serum estradiol and FSH levels and in peak LH levels (after GnRH testing) 30 days after a single im dose of leuprolide acetate for depot suspension. Mean peak FSH levels also fell greatly, but the difference was not significant. No adverse effects were noted during the first 4-6 months of monthly im injections. Depot im leuprolide appears to be effective in suppressing estradiol and gonadotropin secretion, and may be a useful method of treating children with central precocious puberty.