To evaluate a child with precocious puberty (PP) implies to have a good history and physical exam, which, in itself, can lead to important clues for the etiological diagnosis. It is very important to characterize whether the PP is central (True PP) or peripheral (pseudo-PP) in origin, which have etiologic and therapeutic implications. A well-based lab workup can give the etiological diagnosis with good precision. However, especially in females, the idiopathic forms still account for the majority of cases. In males, a careful search for neoplastic causes is mandatory, since it comprises more than 50% of cases. This paper discusses conceptual and etiologic aspects of PP and gives details for a comprehensive laboratory evaluation.
True precocious puberty; Pseudo-precocious puberty; Gonadotropins; Sexual steroids; Hypothalamic hamartoma; CNS tumors
