Role of pulsatile luteinizing hormone releasing-hormone therapy in males with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and delayed puberty.

The aim of our work was to review the literature to evaluate the importance of pulsatile LHRH administration therapy in males with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and delayed pubertal development. Among the various routes of administration (iv, sc, nasal) we believe that sc administration is better in IHH males whereby a long-term therapy is needed. With regard to the differential diagnosis of pubertal delay, the diagnostic use of LHRH administration for a short-period is still being debated. Biochemical controls show that response to therapy is quick in all of the subjects treated. 30-50% of IHH subjects can obtain adequate sperm production. The appearance of antibodies to LHRH is a rare phenomenon. We can conclude that pulsatile sc therapy is more physiological and better tolerated for a longer time.