Benign Premature Adrenarche: Clinical Features and Serum Steroid Levels

The study evaluated 18 girls with premature adrenarche, aged 3.0 to 7.8 years, focusing on clinical features and serum steroid levels. 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 noted in 15 girls, often preceding pubic hair development. Five girls experienced severe acne requiring treatment. All patients had elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone, with androstenedione and testosterone levels correlating positively, and many also had elevated dihydrotestosterone. Dexamethasone administration effectively normalized the elevated steroid levels.