Efficacy of the subcutaneous reformulated triptorelin depot in children with central precocious puberty

The efficacy, safety and acceptance of newly formulated triptorelin s.c. (Decapeptyl Depot, DDsc) was compared to triptorelin i.m. (DDim) in seven children with central precocious puberty (CPP) in a prospective study. Both formulations were given for 6 months consecutively. During both treatment periods suppression of basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, suppression of sex steroids, arrest of the maturation of gonads and uterus, and slowing of bone maturation were achieved. The height standard deviation score for bone age increased significantly during DDsc treatment (-1.33+/-0.90 to 1.07+/-0.92, p < 0.05). The ratio bone age/chronological age decreased significantly during both treatment periods (1.25+/-0.24 to 1.20+/-0.23,p < 0.05, and 1.20+/-0.23 to 1.16+/-0.22, p < 0.05). With the injection of DDsc in the abdominal wall, a palpable, non-irritating resistance which gradually decreased in size occurred in one patient. With injection into the thigh no indurations were seen. No allergic reactions were encountered. Five of the patients considered DDsc therapy as more pleasant and described a definite decrease in fear of injections. All parents considered DDsc treatment as equal or better than DDim in respect to the suppression of their child' s puberty. It was concluded that DDsc is equipotent to DDim in the treatment of CPP. For the majority of patients DDsc was more acceptable than DDim. The thigh is recommended for the subcutaneous application of DD.