Sex-specific ranges and ratios for anogenital distance among Thai full-term newborns 

Abstract

IntroductionAnogenital distance (AGD) is a marker of prenatal androgen exposure and a tool for assessment of differences of sex development. Data for AGD in newborns have been published, but these findings may not be applicable to Thai newborns.AimTo provide the sex-specific ranges for AGD in Thai full-term newborns.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in term newborns in Thailand, during 2016–2018. AGD was measured from anus to anterior base of penis (AGDAP) and to perineoscrotal junction (AGDAS) in males and from anus to clitoris (AGDAC) and to posterior fourchette (AGDAF) in females. AGD ratio is defined as AGDAS divided by AGDAP in males and AGDAF divided by AGDAC in females.ResultsA total of 364 newborns were studied (male 51.4%). The mean AGDAS, AGDAP and AGD ratio in males were 25.20 ± 4.80, 52.60 ± 6.90 and 0.48 ± 0.08 mm, respectively. The mean AGDAF, AGDAC, and AGD ratio in females were 16.50 ± 3.90, 42.60 ± 6.20 and 0.39 ± 0.08 mm, respectively. There were significant differences between AGDAS and AGDAF, AGDAP and AGDAC, and AGD ratio between males and females (p < 0.001). The AGDAS, AGDAP, AGDAF, AGDAC were correlated with birth weight and length, but AGD ratio showed no correlation.ConclusionThe sex-specific ranges for AGD in Thai full-term newborns were determined. AGD ratio is a useful marker of prenatal androgen exposure since it differs between sexes, but constant between races and did not vary by body size.