Global fibrinolytic capacity is decreased in girls with premature adrenarche: a new pathological finding?

OBJECTIVE

Global fibrinolytic capacity (GFC) is a sensitive method reflecting all of the molecular components involved in the process of fibrinolysis. Recently, a decrease in GFC has been shown in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Girls with premature adrenarche (PA) have been shown to have hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia in addition to hyperandrogenemia, similar to women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate GFC levels in girls with PA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five girls with PA, who had developed pubic/axillary hair at age of 7.09 +/- 0.74 (5.1-7.9) years, were studied at the age of 10.04 +/- 1.53 years and compared with 20 age-matched healthy controls and 10 girls with PCOS (mean age 16.58 +/- 1.46 years).

RESULTS

Median DHEAS and free testosterone levels were significantly higher in girls with PA than in the control group. The median serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) level was higher in controls than in both PA and PCOS groups (49.85, 38.60 and 21.30 nmol/l, respectively). The median fasting glucose:insulin ratio (FGIR) levels were similarly low in PA and PCOS groups, while it was significantly higher in controls. The FGIR levels were less than 7 in 52% of girls with PA and 50% of girls with PCOS; however, in controls, only 5% of girls had FGIR <7. Median GFC in girls with PA (1.67 microg/ml) and PCOS (1.06 microg/ml) were significantly lower than that of the controls (3.48 microg/ml, p <0.001). The GFC level correlated positively with SHBG and FGIR.

CONCLUSION

A reduction in GFC was demonstrated in girls with PA compared to healthy controls. This important finding, newly added to previous ones, may strengthen the view that PA is not a benign condition, and also points to the presence of potential risk factors for vascular diseases in these girls starting from childhood.