Treatment of Prolactinoma in Children and Adolescents (Under 18)
Clinical Scenario
This protocol covers the management of prolactinoma specifically in children and adolescents under the age of 18. The paediatric population presents considerations that are distinct from adult patients and that directly shape the approach to care.
Patients in this age group have an increased probability of adverse effects, a factor that is central to every treatment decision.
Treatment Approach
First-line management involves dopamine agonist therapy, with the initiation and titration strategy in this age group specifically designed to account for the heightened susceptibility to adverse effects seen in younger patients.
The full structured regimen — including agent selection, initiation strategy, and the individualised dose escalation approach — is set out in the complete protocol →
References
DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00886-5
- Dopamine agonist therapy is initiated at low doses (for example, 0.25 mg per week of cabergoline) (weak), with slow dose increases due to increased probability of adverse effects in children (strong).
- Dopamine agonists are first-line therapy, starting at a low dose and individualizing dose adjustments due to the potentially increased susceptibility to adverse effects in children.
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