Premature thelarche: Evidence of increased serum total estrogenic activity TELARQUIA PREMATURA: AUMENTO DE LA ACTIVIDAD ESTROGENICA TOTAL EN EL PLASMA

Abstract

Hormone profile and pelvic ultrasonography were studied in 41 girls with premature thelarche aged 21.2 ± 9.7 months and in 39 non affected control girls of the same age and social status. Estrogenic contaminants were looked for both in girls sera and in poultry samples through serum and tissue levels of zearalenone and diethylbestrol. Total estrogenic activity was measured by radioreceptor assay. Basal serum levels of LH, FSH, prolactine and estradiol (E2) were not different between both groups. Total estrogenic activity was significantly higher in girls with thelarche (201 ± 102 vs 78 ± 20 pg E2 equivalent), turning later to similar levels than in controls in five patients in which thelarche eventually subside. After LHRH greater FSH than LH peak response was observed (28.7 ± 17.5 Uμ/ml vs 5.1 ± 2.7 Uμ/ml). No differences were detected in uterine size and skeletal maturation, but a greater mean ovarian volume was seen in patients with thelarche. No estrogenic contaminants were detecte