Use of aromatase inhibitors in children and adolescents with disorders of growth and adolescent development

Pediatrics. 2008 Apr;121(4):e975-83. doi: 10.1542/peds.2007-2081.

Abstract

Although treatment of children and adolescents who have disorders of growth and adolescent development with aromatase inhibitors is increasingly common, data for or against their use are extremely limited. Precocious puberty, short stature, and gynecomastia are conditions for which inhibition of the enzyme aromatase might prove beneficial to reduce clinical signs of estrogenization and/or estrogen-mediated skeletal maturation. In this report, we summarize the published data regarding the use of aromatase inhibitors in these conditions, and review known and potential benefits, safety concerns, and shortcomings of the available information.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Body Height / drug effects
  • Bone Density / drug effects
  • Bone Development / drug effects
  • Bone Development / physiology
  • Child
  • Child Development / drug effects
  • Child Development / physiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Growth Disorders / diagnosis
  • Growth Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Gynecomastia / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prognosis
  • Puberty, Precocious / drug therapy*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexual Maturation / drug effects
  • Sexual Maturation / physiology

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors