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Growth-restricted preterm newborns are predisposed to functional adrenal hyperandrogenism in adult life

Christiaan L Meuwese1, Anne M Euser, Bart E Ballieux

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|August 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Adults born very preterm have higher adrenal androgens, especially if small for gestational age. Postnatal corticosteroid exposure is linked to increased androstenedione in women.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatalogy
  • Perinatal Medicine

Background:

  • Long-term effects of perinatal factors on adult adrenal steroid levels in very preterm infants are not well understood.
  • Investigating the impact of early life conditions on endocrine health in adulthood is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine how birth weight, early growth, and corticosteroid exposure affect serum adrenal steroids in 19-year-olds born very preterm.
  • To compare adrenal steroid profiles of very preterm individuals with controls.

Main Methods:

  • Serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione (Adione) were measured in 393 very preterm young adults (born <32 weeks gestation) and controls.
  • Multiple linear regression analyses were used to associate steroid levels with perinatal growth and corticosteroid administration.

Main Results:

  • Very preterm individuals had higher serum DHEAS and Adione than controls.
  • Lower birth weight was significantly associated with higher DHEAS in both sexes and higher Adione in women.
  • Postnatal dexamethasone exposure correlated with higher Adione levels in women.

Conclusions:

  • Young adults born very preterm exhibit elevated adrenal androgens, particularly those born small for gestational age.
  • Postnatal corticosteroid use is linked to higher androstenedione levels in women born very preterm.
Abstract

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