Side effects of GnRH analogue treatment in childhood

There are a few reports of side-effects of LHRHa treatment in childhood, th e mechanisms of which remain little understood. Such effects can be local r eactions: erythema, induration, wheal and sterile abscess formation, which can be possible causes of therapy failure, There are negative effects on gr owth velocity and final height requiring rhGH therapy or a suppressive trea tment when bone age >13 years, Excessive weight gain can occur by various m echanisms: menopausal-like phenomena, or LHRHa influence on hypothalamic an d/or leptin-mediated control of body weight. Other possible adverse effects involve increased ovarian volume with possible POS development; however, t here is no evidence correlating LHRHa, hyperandrogenism and POS, The latter appears related to CPP onset with pre-existing hyperandrogenism, although lengthier follow-up is necessary to confirm this, Bone density decreases du ring therapy, but final peak bone mass is in the normal range, Frequent tra nsitory side-effects include headaches, hot flushes, depression and irregul ar menses.