Abstract
CONTEXT: Premature adrenarche (PA) is linked to prematurity, small for gestational age (SGA), and rapid weight gain. Understanding these factors is important for early identification and management of PA. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of prematurity, SGA, obesity, and rapid weight gain on the development of PA in Turkish girls. DESIGN: A retrospective review of medical records from girls diagnosed with PA between 2015 and 2020. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 104 girls diagnosed with PA were included. Clinical data, including birth weight, gestational age, body mass index (BMI), and hormone levels (DHEA-S), were analyzed. The relationships between PA and prematurity, SGA, obesity, and rapid weight gain (delta weight SDS) were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients, 14.4% were born prematurely, 28.8% were SGA, and 30.5% were overweight or obese. A positive correlation was observed between delta weight SDS and DHEA-S levels (r=0.523, p<0.01). While obesity was not significantly associated with elevated DHEA-S levels, rapid weight gain was a key factor. CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity and SGA are significant risk factors for PA, with rapid weight gain playing a critical role. Monitoring weight gain in SGA and premature infants is essential to mitigate PA-related risks.