Premature Adrenarche and Obesity in Children Born Premature or Small for Gestational Age: A Review of the Literature and Case Reports.

Premature adrenarche (PA) is a condition characterized by the early onset adrenal androgen production and clinical signs of androgen action before age 8 in girls and 9 in boys [1]. Children born premature or small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk for PA and obesity, which can lead to metabolic complications and long-term health consequences [2-4]. This article reviews the literature on the pathophysiology, clinical implications, and management of PA in children born premature or SGA and presents three case reports of premature girls with overweight or obese body mass index and signs of early adrenarche.