Sex dimorphism of weight and length at birth: evidence based on disorders of sex development

BackgroundMales have higher weight and length at birth than females.AimTo verify the influence of the Y chromosome and the action of intrauterine androgens on weight and length at birth of children with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD).Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional and retrospective study. Patients with Turner syndrome (TS), complete (XX and XY), mixed (45,X/46,XY) and partial (XY) gonadal dysgenesis (GD), complete (CAIS) and partial (PAIS) androgen insensitivity syndromes and XX and XY congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) were included. Weight and length at birth were evaluated.ResultsWeight and length at birth were lower in TS and mixed GD when compared to XY and XX DSD cases. In turn, patients with increased androgen action (117 cases) had higher weight and length at birth when compared to those with absent (108 cases) and decreased (68 cases) production/action. In birthweight, there was a negative influence of the 45,X/46,XY karyotype and a positive influence of increased androgen and gestational age. In birth length, there was a negative influence of the 45,X and 45,X/46,XY karyotypes and also a positive influence of increased androgen and gestational age.ConclusionsThe sex dimorphism of weight and length at birth could possibly be influenced by intrauterine androgenic action.

Automated summary

Males have higher weight and length at birth than females. This study aimed to verify the influence of the Y chromosome and intrauterine androgens on weight and length at birth in children with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD). The results showed that children with Turner syndrome (TS) and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (GD) had lower birth weight and length compared to XY and XX DSD cases. Furthermore, patients with increased androgen action had higher birth weight and length.