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Free testosterone levels in umbilical cord blood predict infant head circumference in girls

Fetal androgens influence fetal growth as well as postnatal neurocognitive ability.

Authors:
WHITEHOUSE, A.J.O., MAYBERY, M.T, HART, R., SLOBODA, D.M., STANLEY, F.J., NEWNHAM, J.P., & HICKEY, M

Authors notes:
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 52, e73-e77.


**Subject of a Commentary: Baron-Cohen et al., S. (2010). Neonatal free testosterone and head circumference: need for replication. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 52, 696.

Keywords:
free testosterone levels, umbilical cord blood, predict infant head circumference in girls, fetal androgens, influence fetal growth, postnatal neurocognitive ability, prospectively examined, impact of early-life androgens, infant brain growth

Abstract:
Fetal androgens influence fetal growth as well as postnatal neurocognitive ability. However, to our knowledge, no published study has prospectively examined the impact of early-life androgens on infant brain growth. We report the association between circulating fetal androgen levels, measured from umbilical-cord blood at birth, and a proxy measure of brain growth: head circumference.