Successful management of a breastfeeding mother with severe eczema of the nipple beginning from puberty: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Nipple eczema is the most common presentation of atopic dermatitis of the breast, which seriously influences breastfeeding of mothers. We here present a case of severe nipple eczema that started in puberty and received continuous care and interventions during pregnancy. The patient succeeded in breastfeeding after the interventions. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old woman at 16 wk of gestation (gestation 1 parturition 0), visited the breastfeeding consultation clinic, complaining of excessive nipple secretion, severe itching, and concerns about breastfeeding. She was diagnosed with severe nipple eczema. Health education, consultation with dermatologists, topical medication, psychological support, and postpartum care were carried out. Through continuous interventions, her nipple eczema significantly improved, lactating confidence enhanced, anxiety symptoms were reduced, and exclusive breastfeeding was achieved. CONCLUSION: For lactating women with nipple eczema, breastfeeding consultants should play an important role in patient education and provide whole-process and individual guidance.

Secondhand smoking exposure and quality of life among pregnant and postnatal women: a network approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke, its correlates and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal Chinese women. DESIGN: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were consecutively recruited from eight tertiary hospitals located in eight municipalities or provinces in China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1140 women were invited to join this study and 992 (87.02%) completed all measures. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME: Measures women's secondhand smoking behaviour (frequency and location of exposure to secondhand smoking), and their QOL measured by the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 211 women (21.3%, 95% CI 18.7% to 23.8%) had been exposed to secondhand smoking. Exposure to secondhand smoking was most common in public areas (56.4%), and residential homes (20.5%), while workplaces had the lowest rate of exposure (13.7%). Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to report secondhand smoking exposure, while older women, women living in urban areas, those with college or higher education level, and women in their second trimester were less likely to report exposure to secondhand smoking. Network analysis revealed that there were six significant links between secondhand smoke and QOL items. The strongest negative edge was the connection between secondhand smoke and QOL9 ('physical environment health', edge weight=-0.060), while the strongest positive edge was the connection between secondhand smoke and QOL3 ('pain and discomfort', edge weight=0.037). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoking is becoming lower among pregnant and postnatal women in China compared with findings reported in previous studies. Legal legislation should be maintained and promptly enforced to establish smoke-free environments in both public and private urban/rural areas for protection of pregnant and postnatal women, especially those who are physically vulnerable and less educated.

Assessment of Changes in the Cesarean Scar and Uterus Between One and Two Years after Cesarean Section Using 3D T2w SPACE MRI.

Objective To evaluate changes in morphology of the cesarean scar and uterus between one and two years after cesarean section using high-resolution, three dimensional T2-weighted sampling perfection with application optimized contrast using different flip angle evolutions Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3D T2w SPACE MRI). Methods This prospective study was performed to investigate morphological changes in the cesarean scars and uterus from one to two years after cesarean section using high-resolution, 3D T2w SPACE MRI. The healthy volunteers having no childbearing history were recruited as the controls. All data were measured by two experienced radiologists. All data with normal distribution between the one-year and two-year groups were compared using a paired-sample t test or independent t test. Results Finally, 46 women took a pelvic MR examination one year after cesarean section, and a subset of 15 completed the same examination again after two years of cesarean section. Both the uterine length and the anterior wall thickness after two years of cesarean section (5.75 ± 0.46 and 1.45 ± 0.35 cm) were significantly greater than those measured at one year (5.33 ± 0.59 and 1.25 ± 0.27 cm) (t = -2.363 and -2.175, P= 0.033 and 0.048). No significant difference was shown in myometrial thickness two years after cesarean section (1.45 ±0.35 cm) with respect to the control group (1.58 ± 0.21 cm, P= 0.170). Nine women who underwent MRI twice were considered to have scar diverticula one year after cesarean section, and still had diverticula two years after cesarean section. The thickness, height, and width of the uterine scar showed no significant change from one to two years (all P > 0.05). Conclusions 3D T2w SPACE MRI provides overall morphologic details and shows dynamic changes in the scar and the uterus between one and two years after cesarean section. Scar morphology after cesarean section reached relatively stable one year after cesarean section, and uterine morphology was closer to normal two years after cesarean section.

[Effects of Low-dose Antibiotic Exposure on Fetal Growth and Development].

Objective To analyze maternal blood exposure to non-therapeutic antibiotics in late pregnancy and explore the effects of low-dose antibiotics on fetal growth and development.Methods A total of 104 pregnant women in late pregnancy (28-32 weeks) without serious pregnancy complications were enrolled,who had regular antenatal examination and delivery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and did not use therapeutic antibiotics 2 months before pregnancy and in the whole pregnant process.The levels of antibiotics in the maternal blood were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and the pregnant women were assigned into an antibiotic exposure group (antibiotic positive) and a non-exposure group (antibiotic negative).The length,weight,placental weight,and placental volume of the newborns in the two groups were measured,and the data were statistically analyzed by t test or χ2 test.Results The maternal blood antibiotic test showed 7 positive cases (6.73%,antibiotic exposure group) and 97 negative cases (93.27%,non-exposure group). The average length of newborns in the antibiotic exposure group and the non-exposure group was (49.57±1.40) cm and (48.85±1.77) cm,respectively,with no significant difference (t=1.060,P=0.363).The average weight of newborns in the antibiotic exposure group and the non-exposure group was (3558.57±382.95) g and (3275.36±356.41) g,respectively,with significant difference (t=2.021,P=0.046).The mean placental weight in the antibiotic exposure group and the non-exposure group was (676.43±124.59) g and (631.96±129.25) g,respectively,with no significant difference (t=0.881,P=0.380).The mean placental volume in the antibiotic exposure group and the non-exposure group was (724.67±174.91) cm3 and (676.82±220.86) cm3,respectively,with no significant difference (t=0.560,P=0.388).Compared with those in the non-exposure group,the neonatal length,neonatal weight,placental weight,and placental volume in the antibiotic exposure group increased by 1.47%,8.65%,7.04%,and 7.07%,respectively.Conclusion There are antibiotics in the environment,and maternal blood exposure to non-therapeutic antibiotics can promote the growth and development of the fetus and placenta,especially increasing the fetal weight.

[Association between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Postpartum Depressive Episode].

Objective To explore the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and postpartum depressive (PPD) episode and the influencing factors of PPD episode. Methods The clinical data of pregnant women who filed in the Department of Obstetrics,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 1,2020 to February 28,2021 were collected.Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT,75 g) and determination of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were carried out in the second trimester,and fasting blood glucose and glycosylated albumin (GA) were determined in the third trimester.Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI,5.0 Chinese version) was used to diagnose depressive episode and anxiety disorder within (42±7) days after delivery.We analyzed the influencing factors of PPD episode by multiple Logistic regression to explore the relationship between GDM and PPD episode.Fasting glucose and GA in the third trimester,as well as the incidence of PPD episode,between women with and without GDM were compared. Results The GDM,75 g OGTT,and HbA1c in the second trimester,as well as fasting blood glucose and GA in the third trimester,showed no significant differences between the PPD group and the non-PPD group (all P>0.05).Postpartum generalized anxiety disorder (OR=4.656,95%CI=1.130-19.184, P=0.033),obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR=11.989,95%CI=1.004-143.113, P=0.049),and the history of mental disorder before pregnancy (OR=13.567,95%CI=2.191-83.991, P=0.005) were the risk factors of PPD episode.The fasting blood glucose and GA in the third trimester,the incidence of PPD episode,and the PPD episode comorbidities of generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder had no significant differences between pregnant women with and without GDM (all P>0.05).Conclusions There is no association between GDM and PPD episode under routine blood glucose management. Special attention should be paid to pregnant women with a history of mental disorder before pregnancy.

Association of gestational anemia with pregnancy conditions and outcomes: A nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational anemia is a serious public health problem that affects pregnant women worldwide. Pregnancy conditions and outcomes might be associated with the presence of gestational anemia. This study investigated the association of pregnancy characteristics with anemia, exploring the potential etiology of the disease. AIM: To assess the association of pregnancy parameters with gestational anemia. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted based on the Chinese Pregnant Women Cohort Study-Peking Union Medical College Project (CPWCS-PUMC). A total of 3172 women were included. Patient characteristics and gestational anemia occurrence were extracted, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of pregnancy parameters with gestational anemia. RESULTS: Among the 3172 women, 14.0% were anemic, 46.4% were 25-30 years of age, 21.9% resided in eastern, 15.7% in middle, 12.4% in western 18.0% in southern and 32.0% in northern regions of China. Most women (65.0%) had a normal prepregnancy body mass index. Multivariable analysis found that the occurrence of gestational anemia was lower in the middle and western regions than that in the eastern region [odds ratio (OR) = 0.406, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.309-0.533, P < 0.001)], higher in the northern than in the southern region (OR = 7.169, 95%CI: 5.139-10.003, P < 0.001), lower in full-term than in premature births (OR = 0.491, 95%CI: 0.316-0.763, P = 0.002), and higher in cases with premature membrane rupture (OR=1.404, 95%CI: 1.051-1.876, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Gestational anemia continues to be a health problem in China, and geographical factors may contribute to the situation. Premature birth and premature membrane rupture may be associated with gestational anemia. Therefore, we should vigorously promote local policy reformation to adapt to the demographic characteristics of at-risk pregnant women, which would potentially reduce the occurrence of gestational anemia.

[Effect of Mobile Health for Standardized Management on Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus].

Objective To explore the performance of mobile health platform for standardized management of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM). Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted,in which 295 women with GDM were randomized into two groups(traditional management group and mobile health management group)by a computer-generated sequence.The traditional management group accepted standardized GDM management,and the mobile health management group was supplemented by mobile health management based on the standardized management.The glycemic control rate and the incidences of low birth weight,macrosomia,preterm birth,premature rupture of membranes,postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section,neonatal asphyxia,malformation,and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were compared between the two groups. Results The glycemic control rate in mobile health management group was significantly higher than that in the traditional management group [(67.22±22.76)% vs.(60.69±21.28)%,P=0.004].The incidences of low birth weight,macrosomia,preterm birth,premature rupture of membranes,postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section,neonatal asphyxia,malformation,and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit demonstrated no significant differences between groups(all P > 0.05). Conclusions Mobile health applied in standardized management is conducive to the glycemic control of GDM women,whereas it does not significantly improve the pregnancy outcomes.Due to the short time of intervention,the effects of mobile health on pregnancy outcomes need further study.

[Associations of Socioeconomic Factors,Nutrients Intake,and Gut Microbiota of Healthy Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester with Gestational Weight Gain].

Objective To investigate the associations of socioeconomic factors,nutrients intake,and gut microbiota of healthy pregnant women in the third trimester with gestational weight gain (GWG).Methods We recruited 98 pregnant women in the third trimester who had received antenatal care in the Department of Obstetrics Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October,2015 to May,2016. We collected socioeconomic information through a structured questionnaire covering age,ethnicity,height,pre-pregnancy weight,and education. Nutritional status of these pregnant women was assessed by a 24-hour dietary intake recall. The participants were provided with collective tubes for faecal sample collection at home;their weight before the delivery was recorded. The pre-pregnancy weight and GWG were classified according to World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) standard for adults and the Institute of Medicine GWG guidelines (2009),respectively. The gut microbiota of the participants were analyzed using a whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing method.Results Insufficient and excessive GWG accounted for 15.3% and 50.0% of the cohort,respectively. Appropriate GWG level was associated with intakes of fat (F=3.113,P=0.049),carbohydrates (F=3.750,P=0.027),and dietary fiber (F=4.499,P=0.014) but not with age (F=2.495,P=0.088),ethnicity (Χ 2=0.065,P=0.968),education (Χ 2=0.827,P=0.661),or pre-pregnancy BMI (F=0.121,P=0.887). Compared with the participants with appropriate GWG,those with excessive GWG had significantly higher abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila,Atopobium parvulum,and Alistipes indistinctus as well as lower abundance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Weissella unclassified,Eubacterium ventriosum,Ruminococcus torques,and Bacteroides uniformis. Compared with the participants with appropriate GWG,those with insufficient GWG had significantly higher abundance of Dialister invisus,Alistipes unclassified,Peptoniphilus harei,Escherichia unclassified,Parvimonas unclassified,Campylobacter ureolyticus,Lactobacillus crispatus,and Fusobacterium nucleatum and lower abundance of Eubacterium ventriosum.Conclusions Abnormal GWG is common in pregnant women. GWG is significantly associated with gut microbiota as well as with nutritional factors including fat,carbohydrate,and dietary fiber intake.

Preterm Births in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the Past 25 Years.

Objective To investigate the changes in preterm birth rate,its gestational age distribution,and possible contributors in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) over the last 25-year period. Methods The clinical data of premature deliveries,both singleton and twins,in PUMCH from January 1,1990 to December 31,2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We counted the number of premature fetuses and assessed the changes of preterm birth rate and its gestational age distribution (including extremely preterm birth,early preterm birth,and late preterm birth) over time. The etiologies (including spontaneous and iatrogenic) of preterm birth were also surveyed. Results The overall preterm birth rate was 7.8% in PUMCH,showing a slightly up-trend in both singletons and twins. Twin prematurity accounted for 23.8% of total preterm births,increased from 15.1% to 28.5%. Preterm births subgrouped by gestational age included 26 cases (0.7%) of extreme prematurity (<28 weeks),1199 cases (33.9%) of early preterm birth (28- 33+6 weeks),and 2310 cases (65.3%) of late preterm birth (34- 36+6 weeks). The gestational age distribution in singletons and twins showed no significant difference(z=0.844,P=0.398). Changes in the proportion of preterm birth before 28 weeks was little,gradually increased in the 28- 33+6 weeks group (from 23.8% to 36.1%) and gradually decreased in the 34- 36+6 weeks group (from 75.5% to 63.3%). Trends of gestational age distribution of singleton and twins were similar to that of the total. Spontaneous preterm labor,preterm premature rupture of membrane,and medically indicated (iatrogenic) preterm birth accounted for 20.2%,38.9%,and 40.9% respectively. There was no difference in singletons and twins(χ2=1.071,P=0.301).The proportion of iatrogenic preterm was increased. Common reasons for iatrogenic preterm birth included gestational hypertension,fetal indications (including fetal distress,fetal growth restriction),placenta previa,and pregnancy complicated by heart disease. Conclusions The overall preterm birth rate shows an upward trend in the general hospital as a result of more multifetal gestations and more medically indicated preterm births. Reducing multifetal gestations and effective control of pregnancy complications should be the priorieties in preterm birth intervention.

Associations of White Blood Cell Count,Alanine Aminotransferase,and Aspartate Aminotransferase in the First Trimester withGestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective To explore the associations of white blood cell (WBC) count,alanine aminotransferase (ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the first trimester of pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Totally 725 GDM women and 935 women who remained euglycemic throughout pregnancy were enrolled in this study. Pre-pregnancy weight/height were recorded. WBC,ALT,and AST levels were detected between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.At 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy,the glucose and insulin levels were measured. The WBC,ALT,and AST levels were compared between two groups,and the associations of WBC,ALT,and AST levels with the blood glucose and insulin levels were retrospectively analyzed. Meanwhile,the potential associations of those factors with the occurrence of GDM were analzyed. Results WBC count [9.41(8.15,10.84)?10(9)/L vs. 9.04 (7.64,10.37)?10(9)/L,P=1.0?10(-5)] and ALT levels [18.00(12.00,30.00)U/L vs. 16.00 (11.00,26.00)U/L,P=0.004] in the first trimester of pregnancy were significantly increased in GDM subjects than in normal glucose tolerance(NGT)subjects;however,the AST level showed no significant difference between these two groups [41.00 (26.00,43.00)U/L vs. 41.00 (23.00,43.00)U/L,P=0.588]. Logistic regression analysis illustrated that elevated WBC count was an independent risk factor for GDM after adjustment for age,pre-pregnancy body mass index,blood pressure,and family history of diabetes(OR=1.119,P=0.001). The ROC curve revealed that threshold of WBC count was 7.965?10(9)/L(AUC=0.566,P=1?10(-5)),which had a sensitivity of 79.4% and a specificity of 31.3%. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was positively correlated with WBC count(B=0.051,P=0.022,R(2)=0.083);1-hour blood glucose after oral 50 grams of sugar (B=0.044,P=0.001,R(2)=0.044) and fasting plasma true insulin(B=0.214,P=0.032,R(2)=0.066) were positively correlated with WBC count;1-hour true insulin after 100 grams oral glucose to lerance test(OGTT) was positively correlated with AST (B=0.616,P=1.85?10(-5),R(2)=0.052);2-hour true insulin after 100 grams OGTT was positively correlated with ALT (B=0.148,P=0.027)and AST(B=0.936,P=3.71?10(-8),R(2)=0.077);and 3-hour true insulin after 100 grams oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) was positively correlated with ALT (B=0.189,P=0.002) and AST (B=0.688,P=7.25?10(-6),R(2)=0.067).Conclusions The WBC count in the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of GDM. Thus,WBC count may be a useful predictors of GDM.

[Clinical analysis of pregnancies after vaginal radical trachelectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pregnancy outcome and obstetric management of pregnancy and delivery after vaginal radical trachelectomy (VRT). METHODS: Forty-two cases of VRT from December 2003 to May 2012 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Among them ten cases got pregnant successfully. RESULTS: The average age of patient at VRT surgery was (30.6 ± 3.7) years old and average follow-up time was 29.5 months. There were 31 patients attempted conception. Ten of them got fourteen conceptions successfully. Overall conception rate was 45% (14/31). There were four cases of first trimester abortion. Among them, two were miscarriage, two were elective abortion. There was one case of ectopic pregnancy operation and non of second trimester loss. Nine cases reached the third trimester. The total preterm delivery rate was 4/9. There were two cases delivered before 32 gestational weeks (2/9). Cesarean section was performed through a transverse incision in all of nine cases. No uterine rupture and postpartum hemorrhage occurred. All newborns had good outcomes. The average follow-up time after postpartum was 22.9 months. All cases were disease-free. CONCLUSIONS: The conception rate of patients after VRT in our series is 45%. The preterm birth rate of pregnancy after VRT is higher. Routine cerclage of cervix during VRT procedure and pregnancy is not necessary. Cesarean section shortly after full term pregnancy through a transverse incision should be considered as a suitable and safe procedure.

Clinical analysis of placenta previa complicated with previous caesarean section / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features and treatment of placenta previa complicated with previous caesarean section.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 29 patients with placenta previa complicated with a previous caesarean section (RCS group) admitted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital during a period from 2003 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and compared with those of 243 patients with placenta previa without a previous caesarean section (FCS group) during the same period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no difference in the mean age (28.9±3.6 vs.28.1±4.5 years) and the average gravidity (2.35±1.48 vs.2.21±1.53) between RCS group and FCS group (all P>0.05).The RCS group had more preterm births (24.1% vs.13.2%), complete placenta previa (55.2% vs.4.9%), placenta accreta (34.5% vs.2.5%), more blood loss during caesarean section (1412±602 vs.648±265 mL), blood transfusion (51.7% vs.4.9%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (13.8% vs.2.1%), and obstetric hysterectomy (13.8% vs.0.8%) than the FCS group (all P<0.05).The preterm infant rate (30.0% vs.13.0%), neonatal asphyxia rate (10.0% vs.4.9%), and perinatal mortality rate (6.7% vs.0.4%) of the RCS group were higher than those of the FCS group (all P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>More patients had complete placenta previa and placenta accreta, postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, uterine packing, obstetric hysterectomy, and perinatal morbidity in the placenta previa patients with previous caesarean section.The patient should be informed of the risk and unnecessary first cesarean sections should be avoided.</p>

Pregnancy outcomes of repeat cesarean section in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of elective repeat cesarean section on the maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective clinic- and hospital-based survey was designed for comparing the maternal and neonatal outcomes of elective repeat cesarean section [RCS group (one previous cesarean section) and MRCS group (two or more previous cesarean sections)] and primary cesarean section (FCS group) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1998 to December 2007. RESULTS: The incidence of repeat cesarean section increased from 1.26% to 7.32%. The mean gestational age at delivery in RCS group (38.1+/-1.8 weeks) and MRCS group (37.3+/-2.5 weeks) were significantly shorter than that in FCS group (38.9+/-2.1 weeks, all P<0.01). The incidence of complication was 33.8% and 33.3% in RCS group and MRCS group respectively, and was significantly higher than that in FCS group (7.9%, P<0.05). Dense adhesion (13.5% vs. 0.4%, OR=7.156, 95% CI: 1.7-30.7, P<0.01) and uterine rupture (1.0% vs. 0, P<0.05) were commoner in RCS group compared with FCS group. Neonatal morbidity was similar among three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat cesarean section is associated with more complicated surgery technique and increased frequency of maternal morbidity. However, the incidence of neonatal morbidity is similar to primary cesarean section.

[Effect of lifestyle adjustment, metformin and rosiglitazone in polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of weight loss, metformin and rosiglitazone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), one hundred and six women with PCOS were assigned to three intervention groups: weight loss, weight loss and metformin, weight loss and rosiglitazone group. Patients were treated with weight loss (diet and exercise), weight loss and metformin (500 mg three times daily), weight loss and rosiglitazone (4 mg once daily) for three months. Sixty patients completed treatments. Basal body temperature (BBT), total testosterone as well as fasting serum insulin levels and lipid were measured and compared in all patients before and after weight loss. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the baseline characteristics among three groups. In weight loss group 51% (22/43) patients completed treatment, and 23% (5/22) patients resumed ovulation. In weight loss and metformin group 58% (21/36) patients completed treatment, and 43% (9/21) patients resumed ovulation. In weight loss and rosiglitazone group 63% (17/27) patients completed treatment, and 59% (10/17) patients resumed ovulation. Ovulation rate was significantly higher in weight loss and rosiglitazone group than in weight loss group. There was no significant difference among three groups in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), sex hormone, serum fasting insulin and lipid level after treatment. CONCLUSION: Weight loss, metformin and rosiglitazone all can improve ovulation each.

[Clinical application of simplified gonadotropin releasing hormone stimulating test in management of female isosexual precocious puberty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application of simplified gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) test in the management of female isosexual precocious puberty (IPP). METHODS: Simplified GnRH stimulating test was performed in 42 girls with IPP. Thirty-eight of them were followed-up for a mean of 26 (3 - 78) months. RESULTS: Fourteen cases showed luteinizing hormone (LH)-predominant response after GnRH stimulation, 13 showed follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-predominant response and 15 showed no response. In the LH-predominant group, one had hypothalamic harmatoma, the other 13 were idiopathic type. Ten of them had acceleration of growth and bone prematurity. There were 8 peripheral IPP in the no response group, i.e. ovarian granulose-theca tumor 1, autonomous ovarian follicular cysts 2, McCune-Albright syndrome 2, and exogenous IPP 3. Among them, 1/2 had growth acceleration and 3/4 had bone prematurity. The remaining 7 of the no-response group and 13 with FSH-predominant response had no known etiology and were considered as transient IPP or premature thelarche based on no progression of pubertal development during follow-up. One fourth of them also showed acceleration of growth and bone prematurity. CONCLUSION: Simplified GnRH test is helpful to objectively evaluate activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, and is more reliable than those clinical features in differential etiological diagnosis of female IPP.