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Clinical medicine

CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS BORN WITH LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Published 2026-09-30

Authors:

Mustafayeva I.R.
Azerbaijan Medical University image/svg+xml
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6854-6363
Aliyeva E.M.
Azerbaijan Medical University image/svg+xml
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5459-1411
Garashova M.A.
Azerbaijan Medical University image/svg+xml
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4805-7228
Abstract:
Low birth weight is considered a significant risk factor for impaired physical, pubertal, and reproductive development in girls. This study aimed to investigate reproductive organ development during puberty in girls born with low birth weight. The study included 65 adolescent girls aged 14–17 years who were born at term with a birth weight of 1,900–2,500 g; the control group comprised 30 healthy age-matched girls. Anthropometric parameters, secondary sexual characteristics, and ultrasonographic measurements of the uterus and ovaries were assessed. Girls born with low birth weight had significantly lower height, body weight, and pelvic dimensions than controls (p<0.05). Delayed breast development, more pronounced axillary and pubic hair growth, and moderate hirsutism were observed. Ultrasonography revealed significantly smaller uterine dimensions, reduced endometrial thickness, and lower bilateral ovarian volumes (p<0.05). These findings indicate delayed physical and pubertal development and may suggest impaired reproductive system maturation in girls born with low birth weight.
Keywords:
low birth weight puberty adolescent girls reproductive development ultrasonography
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Publication:
«World of Medicine and Biology» Vol. 22 No. 97 (2026), pp. 119-123
UDC 618.17-053.6
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26724/2079-8334-2026-3-97-119-123