Question
The child is now 8 years and 3 months old, with a height of 129.1cm and a weight of 25.2kg. One month ago, the child experienced pain in the right breast, with a hard lump upon palpation. Two weeks ago, pain in the left breast also appeared, but no pubic hair or leukorrhea has been observed yet. Consulted at Fuzhou Children’s Hospital, an X-ray of the bone age was taken, and it was assessed to be 9.7 years old, with a predicted height of 152cm ± 5cm. The test results for sex hormones were LH 0.60, FSH 5.26. After the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test at 30 minutes, LH was 12.6 and FSH was 19.2. The doctor at the children’s hospital diagnosed true precocious puberty, as the predicted height exceeds 150cm but does not meet the criteria for short stature, and recommended observation. The doctor at the Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital suggested immediate intervention treatment.
Answer
- The diagnosis of “central precocious puberty” is established.
- Based on the parents’ height, the child’s genetic height is approximately around 158cm, and according to the current bone age calculation, the future height may be around 154cm; however, close observation is required as if the child’s sexual development progresses quickly, the future height may not reach 154cm; if sexual development progresses slowly, it may reach 154cm.
- Persistent exercise will definitely be helpful for improving height.
- Long-term and excessive intake of corticosteroids can affect height growth.