Minipuberty in born small for gestational age infants: A case control prospective pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neonatal Physiology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are at increased risk for various health issues.
• Minipuberty (MP) is a transient phase of suppressed reproductive hormone activity in early infancy.
• Understanding MP in SGA infants is crucial for assessing long-term reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics of minipuberty (MP) in small for gestational age (SGA) infants.
• To compare MP in preterm versus full-term SGA infants during the first year of life.
• To explore hormonal profiles (FSH, LH, Estradiol/Testosterone) in relation to SGA status and gestational age.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 33 SGA infants (12 preterm, 21 full-term) and 27 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) controls (10 preterm, 17 full-term).
• Monitored growth parameters, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T) serum levels at 3, 6, and 12 months.
• Analyzed hormonal data in relation to SGA status, prematurity, and perinatal parameters.

Main Results:

• Gonadotropin surge showed increased LH in males and FSH in females at 3 months.
• Preterm SGA males (A2) had higher testosterone at 3 months compared to full-term SGA males (A1).
• Preterm SGA infants (both sexes) exhibited altered LH/FSH ratios, suggesting prolonged or enhanced MP, particularly in males.

Conclusions:

• Minipuberty (MP) occurs with sexual dimorphism and sex-specific hormonal correlations in SGA infants.
• SGA condition and prematurity appear to enhance and prolong MP in both male and female infants.
• These findings highlight the impact of perinatal factors on early reproductive hormonal activity.