iarjmsIARJMSIARJMS2708-3594https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjms.2023.v04i01.040Longitudinal Growth and Timing of Thelarche and Menarche in Adopted Chinese Girls: Comparison with the China Growth and Pubertal Development ReferencesGonzaloOliván-GonzalvoBackground: Prospective studies on growth in adopted Chinese girls are scarce and are limited to short-term follow-ups. The objectives of this study were to provide data on the longitudinal growth and timing of thelarche and menarche in girls adopted from China. Materials and Methods: Prospective cohort study on 30 Chinese girls adopted in Spain between the years 2001-2007 in which growth and pubertal development were controlled after adoption during a 15-year follow-up. Weight, height and head circumference were measured and recorded in a standardized way and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The anthropometric parameter values and ages at thelarche and menarche, were compared with the China growth and pubertal development references. Results: Initial evaluation (1.33 years): weight Z-score, -1.55; height Z-score, -1.4; BMI Z-score, -0.72; head circumference Z-score, -1.1. At 2 years of age, there had been significant catch-up growth in weight and height (Z-score -0.74 and -0.62, respectively). Growth pattern: they weighed less up to 14 years and more between 15-16 years (at 16 years, +0.64 kg); they measured less in all ages (at 16 years, -2.83 cm); BMI was lower between 1.33-2 years and 10-12 years and higher between 14-16 years; head circumference was lower at all ages (at 6 years, -0.96 cm). There were no statistically significant differences. Mean age at thelarche was 10.08 years (median, 10 years) and at menarche 12.17 years (median, 12.5 years). Conclusion: In the cohort of adopted Chinese girls, the growth potential was lower and the pubertal development was slightly later, although without significant differences, compared with the China growth and pubertal development references.