Precocious Puberty

Dear Colleagues,

Precocious puberty remains a common clinical concern, which can be classified into two main groups: (1) GnRH-dependent and (2) GnRH-independent. Within the GnRH-dependent variety, the idiopathic form primarily affects females and stands as the most prevalent subtype.

Despite the description of precocious puberty in Lawson Wilkin’s Pediatric Endocrinology, the first established textbook in this field (1950 edition, United States), numerous unresolved scientific inquiries persist. Key questions remain, such as the need to define the condition universally, the issue of race- and ethnicity-specific criteria, progression in individuals with GnRH-dependent precocious puberty necessitating treatment, and ‘sustained precocious puberty’. Additionally, there is a need to determine the long-term prognosis for patients with idiopathic GnRH-dependent precocious puberty, with or without treatment.

Over recent decades, advancements in molecular biology have enriched our comprehension of both physiological and precocious puberty. While several genes implicated in precocious puberty have been identified, comprehensive elucidation remains elusive. Queries linger regarding who should undergo genetic screening and the specific characteristics of patients with gene variants, among other concerns.

Moreover, mounting evidence suggests a global acceleration in pubertal development over recent years (Eckert-Lind et al., 2020). Consequently, the re-analysis and validation of historical epidemiological data on puberty, particularly dated studies, have become imperative concerns.

This Special Issue invites physicians to contribute reviews, original articles, commentary/hypotheses, and case reports on precocious puberty and related domains, encompassing:

（1）General Reviews

• Trends in pubertal development over decades;
• Physiology of pubertal development and refined criteria for precocious puberty;
• Recent insights from molecular biology into physiological and pathophysiological pubertal development;
• Clinical etiologies underlying precocious puberty.

（2）Specified Reviews

• Treatment strategies for idiopathic GnRH-dependent precocious puberty;
• Long-term prognoses associated with idiopathic GnRH-dependent precocious puberty;
• Pathophysiology of functional ovarian cysts/McCune–Albright syndrome;
• Therapeutic approaches for McCune–Albright syndrome;
• Rare conditions linked to GnRH-independent precocious puberty;
• Uncommon non-endocrine conditions causing vaginal bleeding in prepubertal children
• Understanding premature thelarche, premature adrenarche, and premature menarche

（3）Other Encouraged Submissions

• Original articles, including retrospective studies;
• Case reports with educational insights, extended follow-up, or precise clinical data;
• Review articles or commentary/hypotheses on aspects of precocious puberty not covered above.

We anticipate contributions that will significantly advance our understanding of precocious puberty and related areas.

Dr. Yukihiro Hasegawa
Dr. Paulo Ferrez Collett-Solberg
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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