Use of testosterone gel compared to intramuscular formulation for puberty induction in males with constitutional delay of growth and puberty: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: Constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) treatment include observation or therapy with intramuscular testosterone (IMTT). No data are available about transdermal testosterone gel (TTG). The aim of our study was to analyze the use of TTG in males with CDGP.

METHODS: 73 boys with CDGP were divided into three groups: IMTT treated with 50 mg i.m. testosterone; TTG with 10 mg daily 2% testosterone transdermal gel, and no treatment (CNT). All subjects were observed at baseline and after 6 months.

RESULTS: The height velocity after treatment were statistically higher in both IMTT and TTG compared to CNT, while CNT showed higher increase of the testicular volume. No other differences were recorded between IMTT and TTG.

CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first study on use of TTG for pubertal activation on CDGP population. Our preliminary data confirm the efficacy of short-term Testosterone gel treatment to induce puberty compared to conventional treatment.