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Maternal Preeclampsia and Androgens in the Offspring around Puberty: A Follow-Up Study

Ingvild V Alsnes1,2, Imre Janszky2, Bjørn O Åsvold2,3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.

Plos One
|December 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Preeclampsia exposure in utero alters puberty hormone levels in children, with effects varying by sex and disease severity. These hormonal shifts may impact future health outcomes for offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Preeclampsia may influence offspring androgen profiles during puberty.
  • This study compares androgen concentrations in children exposed to preeclampsia versus unexposed controls.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between in utero preeclampsia exposure and circulating androgen levels in early puberty.
  • To examine how preeclampsia severity and offspring sex modify these hormonal patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Followed 611 mother-offspring pairs for 11-12 years post-birth.
  • Measured testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in children.
  • Assessed testicular volume in boys.

Main Results:

  • Girls exposed to preeclampsia had higher DHEAS, but severe preeclampsia cases had the lowest DHEAS and highest testosterone.
  • Boys exposed to preeclampsia showed higher testosterone and, except in severe cases, higher testicular volume and IGF-I.
  • Boys from severe preeclampsia pregnancies had the lowest DHEAS levels.

Conclusions:

  • In utero preeclampsia exposure is linked to distinct pubertal androgen patterns, influenced by preeclampsia severity and offspring sex.
  • Observed hormonal differences may indicate altered pubertal timing.
  • These findings suggest potential long-term health implications for offspring.
Abstract

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