Precocious puberty overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
Precocious puberty (Latin – pubertas praecox) is an unusually early onset of puberty, the process of sexual maturation that is triggered by the brain which usually begins in late childhood and results in reproductive maturity and completion of growth (Early puberty onset in children before the ages of 8 in girls and 9 in boys). Characteristics include early isolated pubic hair growth and early growth of female glandular tissue. Early puberty may be a variation of normal development, or may be a result of a disease or abnormal hormone exposure. In some contexts, the term is used more broadly to describe the early appearance of any of the physical features of puberty even if the complete, brain-directed process is not occurring.
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
Classification
Classification
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Causes
Causes
Differentiating Precocious Puberty from other Diseases
Differentiating Precocious Puberty from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Screening
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Surgery
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case Studies
Case #1
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