Minipuberty of Infancy and the Timing of Pubertal Development in Adolescence: a Follow-up of the Infant Feeding and Early Development (IFED) Cohort

Description

Study Description: Our overarching hypothesis is that endogenous and exogenous factors related to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity during minipuberty of infancy are associated with childhood growth, the timing of pubertal development, and HPG axis activity in adolescence. To examine this hypothesis, we will conduct an observational follow-up study of children previously enrolled as infants in the Infant Feeding and Early Development (IFED) cohort. This follow-up study will be conducted remotely with data collection via email/online, mail and telephone by contractors at DLH, working on behalf of NIEHS.

Objectives: Primary Objective: To assess whether endogenous (e.g. hormone concentrations and size of hormone-sensitive organs) and exogenous (e.g. infant feeding method, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals) factors during minipuberty of infancy are related to a) growth, b) timing of pubertal development, and c) HPG axis activity in adolescence.

Endpoints: Primary Endpoints:

1. Height, weight and body mass index (BMI)
2. Onset of breast, pubic hair and/or genital development
3. Urinary metabolites of reproductive hormones (e.g. gonadotropins and sex steroids)