Health-related quality of life of young adult women with a history of premature adrenarche.

INTRODUCTION: Children with premature adrenarche (PA) have increased adrenal androgen concentrations and earlier pubertal development than their peers. Early sexual maturation and exposure to androgens have both been associated with an increased risk for neuropsychological adversities in adulthood. Such adversities would presumably influence the experienced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of those affected.

METHODS: A longitudinal case-control cohort study, in which 30 PA girls and 40 age-matched controls were followed from childhood to young adult age. The main outcome measure was the total 15D HRQoL score. In addition, we assessed specific dimensions of the questionnaire, the subjects' relationship statuses and living arrangements.

RESULTS: There were no differences between the groups in the overall 15D scores (PA, 0.956 (0.052); control, 0.947 (0.055); p 0.482), or on any dimension of this instrument.

CONCLUSION: The study suggests that a history of PA does not lead to impaired HRQoL in adult age.