Benign Premature Adrenarche: Clinical Features and Serum Steroid Levels

The study evaluated 18 girls with benign premature adrenarche, aged 3.0 to 7.8 years, focusing on clinical features and serum steroid levels. Clinical symptoms included pubic or axillary hair, acne, accelerated growth, adult-type perspiration, and oily skin or hair, with bone age advancing 0.3–3.2 years beyond chronological age. Accelerated growth was observed in 15 girls, often preceding pubic hair development. Five girls experienced severe acne requiring treatment. All patients had elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone levels, with androstenedione and testosterone showing positive correlation, and many had increased dihydrotestosterone. Dexamethasone administration effectively normalized the elevated steroid levels.