Premature pubarche in Prader-Willi syndrome: Risk factors and consequences.

Creator(s)

Emily Griffing, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Kelsee Halpin, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Brian R. Lee, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Emily Paprocki, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2024

Identifier

DOI: 10.1111/cen.15108

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) may develop premature pubarche (PP). We investigated the frequency of PP, and its potential precursors and sequelae, in PWS.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: A chart review of children with PWS treated at our institution between 1990 and 2021 was performed. PP was defined as Tanner stage 2 (TS2) pubic hair in girlsDemographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected to assess predisposing factors and consequences of PP in comparison to patients with PWS who had normal pubarche (NP).

RESULTS: Analysis included 43 children with PWS, 23 (53.5%) with PP and 20 (46.5%) with NP. Median age at pubarche was 7.0 years in PP group and 10.0 years in NP group. Age at pubarche was not correlated with age of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) initiation, body mass index (BMI) z-score, or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at pubarche. BMI z-score at pubarche was modestly correlated with degree of pubarchal BA advancement (p = 0.033). Those with PP were more likely to have a lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (1.05 mmol/L vs. 1.41 mmol/L in the NP group, p = 0.041). The difference between target and final height did not differ between groups (p = 0.507).

CONCLUSION: PP is common in PWS but does not compromise final height in comparison to the NP group. Obesity and insulin resistance were not associated with PP in children with PWS, contrary to what has been seen in obese children without PWS.

Journal Title

Clinical endocrinology

Volume

101

Issue

2

First Page

162

Last Page

169

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Female; Child; Male; Puberty, Precocious; Risk Factors; Child, Preschool; Body Mass Index; Retrospective Studies

Keywords

Prader‐Willi syndrome; adrenarche; cardiometabolic risk factors; central precocious puberty; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; pediatric obesity

Recommended Citation

Griffing E, Halpin K, Lee BR, Paprocki E. Premature pubarche in Prader-Willi syndrome: Risk factors and consequences. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2024;101(2):162-169. doi:10.1111/cen.15108