The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment (leuprolide) on body fat distribution in idiopathic central precocious puberty

• Published in: Turkish journal of pediatrics Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 27 - 33
• Main Authors: Taşcilar, Mehmet Emre, Bilir, Pelin, Akinci, Ayşehan, Köse, Kenan, Akçora, Dilek, Inceoğlu, Deniz, Fitöz, Suat Omer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkey Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine 01-01-2011
• Subjects: Body Composition - drug effects; Body fat; Body Fat Distribution; Body Mass Index; Child; Female; Fertility Agents, Female - pharmacology; Humans; Leuprolide - pharmacology; Puberty, Precocious - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0041-4301

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) therapy is used in idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) worldwide. It has also been shown that during this therapy, body mass index (BMI) increases slightly as a side effect. We investigated the side effects of GnRHa treatment in ICPP on body composition and insulin resistance (IR). Twenty girls (7.55 +/- 1.02 y) with ICPP were treated with GnRHa (leuprolide) for an average of 20.83 +/- 4.8 months. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) was used to measure the body's fat balance. Nine patients out of 20 (45%) had significant gain weight. We showed a significant elevation in trunk fat mass compare to baseline values (p < 0.01). These nine patients had high homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR and low glucose/insulin (G/I) index. This study showed a slight increase in BMI, moderate increase in total body fat, and exaggerated elevation in trunk fat mass and IR in GnRHa-treated ICPP children.