Isolated Vaginal Bleeding Before the Onset of Puberty

Isolated vaginal bleeding before the onset of puberty is a rare presentation of isosexual precocity. In most cases, isolated vaginal bleeding without an abnormal genital examination is self-limited with resolution usually within 1 to 3 episodes. Watchful waiting is appropriate in most patients who do not have persistent bleeding, other signs of puberty, or signs/symptoms of an underlying etiology. Workup for patients with concerning features may include puberty hormone levels and/or transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound.

Pediatric Acne Vulgaris: A Guide for Recognition, Examination, Referral, and Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition in adolescent patients but much less common in childhood. Pediatric providers should be familiar with the varying presentations in the pediatric population and recognize when additional physical signs of hyperandrogenism are present. This article details the pathogenesis and presentation of acne in infancy, mid-childhood, and preadolescence. The differential diagnosis is discussed and recommendations for initial workup, referral, and treatment are provided. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(4):e115-e120.].

A Novel Variant in NR5A1 Presenting as 46,XY Difference of Sex Development

Differences of sex development (DSDs) are a spectrum of congenital clinical conditions involving the development of gonadal, chromosomal, and anatomical sex. The physical presentation provides incomplete clues because underlying etiologies may present with similar findings. We describe an 8-year-old boy from the Dominican Republic originally diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). He was prescribed oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, with irregular adherence. During infancy, he had human chorionic gonadotropin injections to stimulate phallic growth. After migrating to the United States, medications became depleted but without adrenal crisis. Laboratory testing with high-dose adrenocorticotropin stimulation study ruled out CAH. Careful examination noted an underdeveloped bifid scrotum, bilaterally undescended testicles, a 2-cm phallus, severe penoscrotal hypospadias, and chordee. Subsequently, he had a 2-stage bilateral orchiopexy and surgical repair of penoscrotal hypospadias and chordee. Genetic testing for 46,XY DSD revealed a novel, dominant, heterozygous, likely pathogenic variant (c.102 + 1G > C) in the NR5A1 gene associated with severe phenotype of undervirilized male. This case illustrates the crucial role of molecular genetic testing for the diagnosis of 46,XY DSDs and a novel NR5A1 gene variant.

Differences of Sex Development: What Neonatologists Need to Know

Differences of sex development (DSD) refer to rare conditions in which an individual's sex development is different from typical male or female development. The neonatologist is often the first health care provider to interact with parents of newborns with DSD and must be familiar with the approach to patients with DSD. In this article, we discuss definition of DSD, initial workup of the patient with DSD, terminology, and controversies in care.

The vaginal microbiome in women of reproductive age with healthy weight versus overweight/obesity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between the vaginal microbiome of reproductive-aged women with overweight and obesity (Ow/Ob) compared with healthy weight (HW).

METHODS

In this case-control study, a cohort of 367 nonpregnant women (18 to 40 years) with Ow/Ob (BMI ≥25 kg/m² ) was case-matched with 367 women with HW (BMI 18.0 to 24.9 kg/m² ). The study was a secondary analysis of 16S rRNA vaginal microbiome surveys through the Vaginal Human Microbiome Study (VaHMP). Groups were matched on age, race/ethnicity, income, and nulliparity status.

RESULTS

Mean age and BMI of Ow/Ob and HW groups were 26.8 versus 26.7 years and 37.0 versus 22.1 kg/m² , respectively. The overall vaginal microbiome composition differed between groups (PERMANOVA, p = 0.035). Women with Ow/Ob had higher alpha diversity compared with women with HW (Wilcoxon test, Shannon index p = 0.025; inverse Simpson index p = 0.026). Lactobacillus dominance (≥30% proportional abundance) was observed in a greater proportion of women with HW (48.7%) compared with Ow/Ob (40.1%; p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

The vaginal microbiome differs in reproductive-aged women with Ow/Ob compared with women with HW, with increased alpha diversity and decreased predominance of Lactobacillus. Observed differences in the vaginal microbiome may partially explain differences in preterm birth and bacterial vaginosis risk between these populations.

Use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we outline the usage and formulations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) in central precocious puberty (CPP), short stature, and gender diverse individuals, as well as adverse effects, long-term outcomes, and monitoring of therapy. There is a particular focus on citing references published within the last 24 months.

RECENT FINDINGS

Long-acting formulations of GnRHa now include Federal Drug Administration approval for subcutaneous injections. Significant adverse events continue to be rarely reported; extremely rare events include arterial hypertension and pseudotumor cerebri. There continue to be no significant long-term consequences including the impact upon body mass index and bone mineral density, which appear to be transient. GnRHas have been used in differences of sexual development (DSD) and increasingly in the treatment of adolescent transgender individuals.

SUMMARY

GnRHas remain as the only fully efficacious therapy for CPP and effectively suppress pubertal hormones in other situations. The use of GnRHa therapy in gender incongruent individuals has proven beneficial and has become a standard of care, whereas use in those with DSDs should still be considered experimental.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/MOP/A62.