A survey on treatment satisfaction with leuprorelin acetate in girls with central precocious puberty.
Despite limited objective height benefits, 72% of participants reported satisfaction with height-related outcomes, highlighting the importance of managing expectations in CPP treatment.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the goserelin corpusSummary and findings
This study surveyed treatment satisfaction with leuprorelin acetate in 78 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) from 2012 to 2018. The mean age at treatment initiation was 8.86 years, and 36 participants (46%) completed the questionnaire. High satisfaction was reported, with 72% satisfied with height-related outcomes and 74% with psychological outcomes.
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is often treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs to manage compromised adult height and psychological distress. In Japan, only monthly formulations are available, and the perceived burden and satisfaction associated with long-term treatment have not been well described. We conducted a retrospective questionnaire survey among 78 girls with CPP who received leuprorelin acetate between 2012 and 2018. Patients and caregivers were asked about reasons for treatment initiation, perceived burden, and satisfaction with height-related and psychological outcomes. Thirty-six (46%) participants completed the questionnaire. Although treatment was initiated at a mean age of 8.86 yr, when the height benefit was limited, improving final height was the most common reason for treatment initiation. Despite monthly injections over an average of 3 yr, 63.9% of the respondents reported no treatment burden. Satisfaction was high, with 72% of the participants satisfied with the height-related outcomes and 74% satisfied with the psychological outcomes. A greater absolute height at the time of the questionnaire was correlated with higher satisfaction in both domains. These findings do not imply that GnRH treatment improves final height. Instead, patients and caregivers reported high satisfaction despite the limited objective height benefits, underscoring the importance of thorough counseling, expectation management, and individualized decision making in CPP management.
Background
This paper addresses treatment satisfaction in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, specifically leuprorelin acetate. Previous studies have indicated that GnRH analogs can manage compromised adult height and psychological distress, but the subjective experience of treatment has not been thoroughly evaluated. Understanding patient and caregiver satisfaction is crucial for improving treatment protocols and counseling practices.
Methods
A retrospective questionnaire survey was conducted among 78 girls diagnosed with CPP who received leuprorelin acetate between 2012 and 2018. The survey assessed reasons for treatment initiation, perceived burden, and satisfaction with height-related and psychological outcomes. Of the 78 participants, 36 (46%) completed the questionnaire.
Results
Of the respondents, 63.9% reported no treatment burden. Satisfaction was reported as high, with 72% satisfied with height-related outcomes and 74% satisfied with psychological outcomes. A greater absolute height at the time of the questionnaire was correlated with higher satisfaction in both domains.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that while treatment with leuprorelin acetate may not significantly improve final height, satisfaction levels among patients and caregivers are high. This contrasts with the limited objective benefits reported, indicating that subjective experiences can differ from clinical outcomes. The low response rate and retrospective nature of the study may confound the results, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation.
Key findings
- Mean age at treatment initiation was 8.86 yr.
- 63.9% of respondents reported no treatment burden.
- 72% of participants satisfied with height-related outcomes.
- 74% satisfied with psychological outcomes.
- A greater absolute height at the time of the questionnaire correlated with higher satisfaction.
Limitations
- Retrospective design limits causal inference.
- Low response rate of 46% may affect representativeness.
- No objective measures of final height reported.