Precocious pubarche is associated with SGA, prematurity, weight gain, and obesity.

BACKGROUND

Perinatal stress is thought to underlie the Barker sequelae of low birth weight, of which precocious pubarche may be a manifestation.

AIMS

To explore whether prematurity as well as smallness for gestational age (SGA) predisposes to precocious pubarche, and the potential role of excess weight gain during childhood.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of 89 children (79 girls) with precocious pubarche.

RESULTS

Sixty five per cent were overweight/obese at diagnosis, compared with 19-24% of Australian children. Thirty five per cent had a history of SGA and 24% of prematurity. Weight SDS increased from birth to diagnosis in 91% of children. The mean change in weight SDS from birth to diagnosis was greater in those who were SGA (2.8, 95% CI 2.2 to 3.4) versus AGA (1.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.2), with no difference in the incidence of overweight/obesity. The latter was lower among children born premature (40% versus 72% term) but was associated with a mean increase in weight of 1.3 SDS during childhood. Nine out of ten girls and boys with precocious pubarche had at least one of the three risk factors studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Both prematurity and SGA were associated with precocious pubarche, as was overweight/obesity, irrespective of size or gestation at birth. Excess weight gain in childhood may predispose to precocious pubarche in susceptible individuals.