Serum kisspeptin, neurokinin B and inhibin B levels can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish idiopathic CPP from premature thelarche in the early stages of puberty.

OBJECTIVE

There is controversial results about serum kisspeptin, neurokinin-B (NKB), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (INHB) levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Aim of this study is to evaluate serum levels of these four peptides in patients presented with early pubertal signs, and to evaluate their diagnostic validity in the diagnosis of CPP.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

PATIENTS

Study included 99 girls (51 CPP, 48 premature thelarche [PT]) whose breast development started before 8 years and 42 age-matched healthy prepubertal girls. Clinical findings, antropometric measurements, laboratory and radiological findings were recorded. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test was performed in all cases with early breast development.

MEASUREMENTS

Kisspeptin, NKB, INHB and AMH levels were measured in fasting serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between mean ages of girls with CPP (7.1 ± 1.2 years), PT (7.2 ± 1.3 years) and prepubertal controls (7.0 ± 1.0 years). Serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels were higher in CPP group compared to PT and control groups, while serum AMH level was lower in CPP group. Serum kisspeptin, NKB, and INHB were all positively correlated with bone age (BA) advancement, and peak luteinizing hormone in GnRH test. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most important factors used to differentiate CPP from PT were advanced BA, serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels (AUC: 0.819, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

We, first showed in the same patients' group that serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB were higher in patients with CPP and can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish CPP from PT.