BackgroundChildren born small for gestational age (SGA) have higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations than children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). The overall metabolic risk associated with birth weight is U-shaped, but it is not known whether children born large for gestational age (LGA) have elevated serum DHEAS levels.MethodsA cohort of 49 children born LGA, 56 children born AGA, and 23 children born SGA were studied at 5-8 years of age. Anthropometric data at birth, at the age of 2 years, and at examination were recorded. Fasting blood samples were collected for serum analyses of DHEAS, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin concentrations.ResultsThe children born LGA had lower serum DHEAS levels adjusted for body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) and age than the rest of the children. Lower birth weight SDS and higher weight gain during the first 2 years of life predicted higher serum DHEAS levels. Higher serum IGF-1 levels were also associated with higher prevalence of adrenarchal DHEAS levels.ConclusionBeing born LGA was associated with lower DHEAS levels, whereas small birth size and early catch-up growth predicted higher levels. This suggests that genetic or early epigenetic factors have an impact on adrenarche. IGF-1 may be a mediator in this process.