Postnatal consequences of intrauterine development: Pubertal development in children born small for gestational age

Five to ten percent of all children are born small for gestational age (SGA). SGA children are not only at risk of remaining small as an adult in case of lacking catch-up growth, but may develop several metabolic disturbances which might have a serious impact on the future health of these children. In this context, several studies described abnormalities of the pubertal development in SGA children, especially in SGA children demonstrating rapid postnatal weight gain. This review highlights the current knowledge of the relationship between auxiological birth parameters and subsequent pubertal course, and the interrelationships between puberty and growth in SGA children with and without growth hormone therapy.