Clinical data and basal gonadotropins in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty in girls.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze whether some auxological characteristics or a single basal gonadotropin measurement will be sufficient to distinguish the prepubertal from pubertal status. METHODS: Auxologycal characteristics were recorded and serum LH and FSH were measured by immunochemiluminescence assays before and after GnRH stimulation test in a sample of 241 Caucasian girls with breast budding between 6- and 8-years old. Peak LH levels higher than 5 IU/L were considered a pubertal response. Area under the curve, cut-off points, sensitivity, and specificity for auxologycal variables and basal gonadotropins levels were determined by receiver operating curves. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age at onset, weight, height, BMI and height velocity between both groups. Bone age was significantly higher in pubertal girls (P < 0.05), although with limited discriminatory capacity. The sensitivity and specificity for the basal LH levels were 89 and 82%, respectively, for a cut off point of 0.1 IU/L. All girls in the pubertal group had a basal LH higher than 1.0 IU/L (positive predictive value of 100%). There was a wide overlap of basal FSH and LH/FSH ratio between prepubertal and pubertal girls. CONCLUSIONS: Auxologycal characteristics should not be used only in the differential diagnosis between prepubertal from pubertal status in 6- to 8-year-old girls. We found a high specificity of a single basal LH sample and it would be useful for establishing the diagnosis of puberty in this age group, reducing the need for GnRH stimulation testing.

Are there any seasonal variations in 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone serum levels in children and adolescents with severe obesity?

The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in children with severe obesity. We hypothesized that severe obesity could modify the seasonal variations in 25(OH)D and PTH serum levels throughout the year. A cross-sectional clinical and blood testing (calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)D, and PTH) was carried out in 282 patients with severe obesity, aged 7.2-15.2 years. A control group was recruited (348 healthy children, aged 7.1-14.9 years). The criteria of the US Endocrine Society were used for the definition of hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism were more frequent (p < 0.05) in the obesity group (44.5 vs. 11.5% and 22.4 vs. 3.9%, respectively). There were seasonal variations in 25(OH)D levels in the obesity group, but they were lower (p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. In contrast, PTH levels were higher (p < 0.05) in the obesity group with respect to the control group, but there were no significant seasonal variations in PTH levels.Conclusion: Suboptimal vitamin D status and high levels of PTH are a common feature in pediatric population with severe obesity. In these patients, the seasonal variations in 25(OH)D were not modified, and PTH levels remained increased throughout the year, but without any seasonal variations. What is Known: • Obesity has been associated with lower 25(OH)D and higher PTH levels. • Relation among vitamin D and PTH through a natural year in children with obesity is partially known. What is New: • Seasonal variations in 25(OH)D are maintained in children with severe obesity, but PTH levels remained increased throughout the year, without seasonal variations. • -PTH levels in obesity are independent of vitamin D status and do not appear to represent secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Reference values of fat mass index and fat-free mass index in healthy Spanish adolescents / Valores de referencia del índice de masa grasa y el índice de masa libre de grasa en adolescentes españoles sanos

INTRODUCTION: body mass index (BMI) does not allow to discriminate the composition of the different body compartments. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for the fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in healthy adolescents using anthropometric techniques in order to provide reference standards for daily clinical practice. METHODS: a cross-sectional study in 1,040 healthy Caucasian adolescents (470 boys and 570 girls) aged 10.1 to 14.9 years. Weight, height, and skinfold thickness were recorded, and BMI, percentage of total body fat, FMI and FFMI, and FMI and FFMI percentiles were calculated. RESULTS: FFMI and FMI percentiles for healthy adolescents (both sexes) categorized by age are displayed. In boys a significant increase in FFMI is observed, and both the percentage of total body fat and FMI significantly decreased. In contrast, in girls the percentage of body fat mass, FMI, and FFMI significantly increased. Except at 10 years of age, FMI was higher (p < 0.05) in girls at all ages. FFMI was higher (p < 0.05) in boys at all ages. CONCLUSIONS: reference values of FMI and FFMI would be a very useful instrument in clinical practice for the diagnosis and, especially, the analysis of body composition changes during the treatment of childhood obesity

INTRODUCCIÓN: el índice de masa corporal (IMC) no permite discriminar la composición proporcional de los distintos compartimentos corporales. El objetivo de este estudio fue elaborar tablas del índice de masa grasa (IMG) y de masa libre de grasa (IMLG) a partir de la medida de los pliegues cutáneos, para que sirvan como patrones de referencia de los adolescentes sanos de ambos sexos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio transversal de 1040 adolescentes caucásicos sanos (470 varones y 570 mujeres) de entre 10,1 y 14,9 años de edad. Se registraron el peso, la talla y el grosor del pliegue cutáneo, y se calcularon el IMC, el porcentaje de grasa total, el IMG, el IMLG y los percentiles del IMG e IMLG. RESULTADOS: se exponen los valores medios del IMG y el IMLG con su distribución percentilada en ambos sexos. En los varones aparece un incremento (p < 0,05) del IMLG con la edad, mientras que el porcentaje de grasa total y el IMG desminuyen (p < 0,05). En cambio, en las mujeres, el porcentaje de grasa total, el IMG y el IMLG se incrementan (p < 0,05) con la edad. Salvo a la edad de 10 años, el IMG fue superior (p < 0,05) en las mujeres de todas las edades, mientras que el IMLG fue superior (p < 0,05) en los varones de todas las edades. CONCLUSIÓN: los valores de referencia del IMG y el IMLG podrían ser un instrumento útil en la práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y, especialmente, el análisis de los cambios de la composición corporal durante el tratamiento de la obesidad infantil

Effects of the application of a prolonged combined intervention on body composition in adolescents with obesity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the effects of a prolonged dietary-behavioral-physical activity intervention (24 months) on body composition in a group of adolescents with obesity. METHODS: Longitudinal study in 196 individuals with obesity (86 boys and 110 girls) aged 10.1-14.9 years that completed a prolonged combined intervention (24 months). Values for weight, height, skinfold thickness, waist circumference, BMI, body fat, fat mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were registered or calculated. A good response to treatment was reported when a BMI z-score reduction of greater than or equal to 0.5 units of the initial value occurred after 24 month of follow up. RESULTS: A good response after 24 months of follow-up reached 58.2% (n = 114). In boys with obesity and BMI status improvement, weight z-score, BMI z-score, body fat, and FMI significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In girls with obesity and BMI status improvement, weight z-score, BMI z-score, waist circumference, waist z-score, body fat and FMI significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In both sexes the height and FFMI increased significantly (p < 0.05). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that girls and younger age were associated with BMI status improvement; concurrently, the place of residence (urban or rural) and degree of obesity were not associated with BMI status improvement. CONCLUSION: The application of long-term combined strategies in the treatment of childhood obesity seems to be effective. As BMI decreases, a reduction in fat mass is also detected, with evident sexual dimorphism, in the absence of changes in fat-free mass and, consequently, in longitudinal growing.

Pubertad precoz central en niñas: estudio diagnóstico y respuesta auxológica al tratamiento con triptorelina / Central precocious puberty in girls: Diagnostic study and auxological response to triptorelin treatment

Introducción: Existen diversas controversias respecto a las pruebas diagnósticas y tratamiento de la pubertad precoz central (PPC). El objetivo de este estudio es exponer las experiencias adquiridas en un grupo de niñas con PPC tratadas con triptorelina, analizándose las características auxológicas y pruebas diagnósticas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en un grupo de 60 niñas con PPC atendidas entre 2010 y 2017. Al diagnóstico se registraron datos sociodemográficos, auxológicos y hormonales, realizándose ecografía pélvica y resonancia craneal. Fueron tratadas con triptorelina, y tras su retirada fueron seguidas hasta la menarquia. Resultados: Al iniciar el tratamiento, la edad cronológica y edad ósea eran de 7,7±0,7 y 9,7±0,8 años, respectivamente (media±DE), con una velocidad de crecimiento de 8,3±1,6cm/año. La talla diana era de 161,1±5,8cm. El pico de LH tras estimulación era de 16,6±12,1 UI/l. El volumen ovárico era superior a 3 cc en el 35% de los casos. La resonancia magnética craneal fue patológica en 7 casos (11,7%). Al final del tratamiento, la edad cronológica y la edad ósea eran de 10,3±1,1 y 11,2±0,8 años, respectivamente, con una velocidad de crecimiento de 4,7±1,4cm/año. A la edad de la menarquia (11,9±0,9 años), la talla era de 157,5±5,7cm. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de la PPC con triptorelina parece resultar beneficioso. La posibilidad de bloquear el desarrollo puberal y ralentizar la maduración ósea permiten que las pacientes alcancen su talla diana. No obstante, sería preceptiva una monitorización auxológica personalizada

Introduction: There are several controversies regarding the diagnostic tests and management of central precocious puberty (CPP). The aim of this study is to present the experience acquired in a group of girls with CPP treated with triptorelin, and to analyze the auxological characteristics and diagnostic tests. Material and methods: An observational, retrospective study in a group of 60 girls with CPP was conducted between January 2010 and December 2017. Sociodemographic, auxological and hormonal data were recorded at diagnosis, and pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the head were performed. Girls were treated with triptorelin and monitored after treatment discontinuation until menarche. Results: At treatment start, chronological age and bone age were 7.7±0.7 and 9.7±0.8 years respectively, and growth velocity was 8.3±1.6cm/year. Target height was 161.1±5.8cm. Peak LH level after stimulation was 16.6±12.1 IU/l. Ovarian volumes were greater than 3mL in 35% of cases. MRI of the head was pathological in seven girls (11.7%). At treatment completion, chronological age and bone age were 10.3±1.1 and 11.2±0.8 years respectively, and growth velocity was 4.7±1.4cm/year. At the age of menarche (11.9±0.9 years), height was 157.5±5.7cm. Conclusions: Treatment of CPP with triptorelin appears to be beneficial. The possibility to block pubertal development and slow skeletal maturation allows patients to reach their target height. However, individualized auxological monitoring would be mandatory

Assessment of vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone during a combined intervention for the treatment of childhood obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this work is to analyze the changes in vitamin D status and PTH levels in a group of children with obesity receiving combined intervention program in order to get BMI status reduction. METHODS: Longitudinal study in 119 children with obesity, aged 9.1-13.9 years, included in a 1-year combined dietary-behavioral-physical activity intervention. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI and fat mass index) were registered every 3 months and blood testing (calcium, phosphorous, 25(OH)D and PTH) were collected at the beginning and after 12 months of follow-up. A control group was recruited (300 healthy children, aged 8.1-13.9 years). The criteria of the US Endocrine Society were used for the definition of hypovitaminosis D. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in obesity group (31.1 vs. 14%). There was negative correlation between 25(OH)D and fat mass index (r = -0.361, p = 0.001). Patients with BMI reduction throughout combined intervention were 52 (43.7%). There was a significant increase in the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients without BMI reduction at the end of follow-up, but in those patients with BMI reduction there was no changes of vitamin D status. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity increases the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D status, and a BMI status reduction in children with obesity may be required to at least stabilize vitamin D status.

Central precocious puberty in girls: Diagnostic study and auxological response to triptorelin treatment. / Pubertad precoz central en niñas: estudio diagnóstico y respuesta auxológica al tratamiento con triptorelina.

INTRODUCTION: There are several controversies regarding the diagnostic tests and management of central precocious puberty (CPP). The aim of this study is to present the experience acquired in a group of girls with CPP treated with triptorelin, and to analyze the auxological characteristics and diagnostic tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective study in a group of 60 girls with CPP was conducted between January 2010 and December 2017. Sociodemographic, auxological and hormonal data were recorded at diagnosis, and pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the head were performed. Girls were treated with triptorelin and monitored after treatment discontinuation until menarche. RESULTS: At treatment start, chronological age and bone age were 7.7±0.7 and 9.7±0.8 years respectively, and growth velocity was 8.3±1.6cm/year. Target height was 161.1±5.8cm. Peak LH level after stimulation was 16.6±12.1 IU/l. Ovarian volumes were greater than 3mL in 35% of cases. MRI of the head was pathological in seven girls (11.7%). At treatment completion, chronological age and bone age were 10.3±1.1 and 11.2±0.8 years respectively, and growth velocity was 4.7±1.4cm/year. At the age of menarche (11.9±0.9 years), height was 157.5±5.7cm. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of CPP with triptorelin appears to be beneficial. The possibility to block pubertal development and slow skeletal maturation allows patients to reach their target height. However, individualized auxological monitoring would be mandatory.

Assessment of body composition changes during a combined intervention for the treatment of childhood obesity.

OBJECTIVE: One of the main objectives in the treatment of childhood obesity is to reduce the percentage of body fat mass without negatively affecting fat-free mass (FFM) and, consequently, longitudinal growth. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes that take place in body compartments in a group of patients with obesity under combined treatment. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study with 109 children with obesity 9.1 to 13.9 y of age included in a combined dietary-behavioral-physical activity intervention. Weight, height, skinfold thickness, and waist circumference were registered, and body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), FFM and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were calculated over a period of 12 mo. The BMI z-score allowed us to establish two groups: obesity (n = 50) and severe obesity (n = 59). A nutritional improvement was considered when a decrease of BMI z-score of the initial value occurred after 12 mo of follow-up. RESULTS: The improvement in nutritional status reached 61.5% (n = 67). In the obesity group with nutritional improvement (n = 32), FMI significantly decreased (P < 0.005) and there were no significant differences in weight, height z-score, FFM, and WHR throughout the combined intervention. In the severe obesity group with nutritional improvement (n = 35), there were no significant differences in weight, height z-score, FMI, FFM, and WHR throughout combined intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a constant weight in the mid- to long term to improve nutritional status would be adequate in children with infantile-juvenile obesity. However, maintaining a steady weight would not be sufficient for those patients diagnosed with severe obesity.