Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT1250

Aim: To evaluate the signs of premature adrenarche (PA) in girls and its relationship with clinical signs.

Material and Methods: The study included 148 girls who had clinical signs of PA, and in 85 the corresponding pathology was confirmed. The control group consisted of 30 healthy girls. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and androstenedione (Δ4A) were analyzed. The prevalence of childhood metabolic syndrome (CMS) was assessed using modified WHO criteria.

Results: Based on these results, girls with PA and pubic/axillary hair growth (PAHG; n = 77) had higher levels of DHEA, DHEAS, and Δ4A than girls without PAHG (n = 8). Increased levels of adrenal androgens were also observed in the PA group without PAHG compared with the control group. The frequency of pMS among girls with PA was 18.5% (63/85), which was higher than the control group (10%, 3/30). The most common component of pMS among girls with PA was overweight (59% vs. 41% in the control group, P < 0.05). Girls with PA and PAHG were more likely to have elevated fasting insulin levels (28% vs. 10% in the control group, P <0.05).

Conclusion: An increased concentration of adrenal androgens in serum is associated with the presence of pubic and axillary hair in girls with premature adrenarche (PA). Girls with PA have an elevated risk of developing metabolic syndrome, with excess weight being the most significant risk factor. The obtained data highlight the need for early monitoring of body weight and metabolic parameters in girls with PA to prevent metabolic disorders.