Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) causes the body to have low levels of certain hormones. The disorder can be life-threatening. With proper treatment people with CAH can lead normal, healthy lives.
If you suspect your child may have CAH, talk to your child's doctor about treatment options. If you are pregnant and suspect your child may be affected by CAH, ask your doctor about testing. Prenatal treatment may also be available. This can correct problems before the child is born.
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They produce vital hormones. In CAH, the glands can not produce enough of one or both of the following hormones:
CAH is an inherited disorder. Most people who carry the gene for CAH do not have the disorder.
If someone in your immediate family has CAH, talk to your doctor about genetic testing. This is important if you are expecting or planning to have a child.
If your child has any of these do not assume it is due to CAH. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions, or by a reaction to medication. If your child experiences any one of them, see the doctor.
In newborn girls:
In newborn boys, there are no obvious visual symptoms. Boys as young as two or three years old may begin to show signs of puberty. They may:
Both boys and girls may:
If you are pregnant, your doctor will ask about your pregnancy. The doctor will also ask about your medical history. The following tests may be done:
If your child has already been born, your doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may take a small amount of blood and urine to test for hormone levels.
In borderline cases, genetic testing is done with blood tests. You and your child may also be referred to a specialist. Endocrinologist focus on hormones. A pediatric urologist focuses on the urinary system in children.
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you and/or your child. Treatment options include:
Dexamethasone is often given when CAH is found before a child is born. It is given early in the pregnancy. The drug is usually taken as a pill or liquid. Your doctor will determine the correct dosage.
Most children born with CAH need to take hormone replacement all of their lives. With constant monitoring, no side effects are expected. The goal of the treatment is to keep the body’s normal balance of hormones.
It is important to know that during stressful situations the dose of cortisol needs to be increased. Follow your doctor's directions.
Salt wasting illness will often require additional table salt in their diet.
Cortisol can increase the appetite. This can lead to excess weight gain. Calorie intake should be followed closely.
In most cases, surgery can correct unusually formed genitalia. Surgery is often done when the child is between 1-3 years of age.
Resources
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Education and Support Network
http://www.congenitaladrenalhyperplasia.org/
Congenital Adrenal Research Education and Support
http://www.caresfoundation.org/
The Magic Foundation
http://www.magicfoundation.org/
Canadian Resources
CAH
Sick Kids—Child Physiology
http://www.sickkids.ca/childphysiology
Save Babies Through Screening Foundation of Canada
http://www.savebabiescanada.org/ehome.htm
References:
Bachelot a, Chakhtoura Z, Rouxel a et al: Hormonal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. A nn Endocrinol 2007;68:274-80.
Carlson AD, Obeid JS, Kanellopoulou N, et al. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: update on prenatal diagnosis and treatment. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol . 1999;69:19-29.
Homma K, Hasegawa T, Takeshita E, et al. Elevated urine pregnanetriolone definitively establishes the diagnosis of classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency in term and preterm neonates. J Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2004;89(12):6087-6091.
Lajic A, Norderstrom A, Ritz EM, et al. Prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Europ J Endo . 2004;151:63-69.
Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Dolezel D, et al. Cognitive and motor development of children with and without congenital adrenal hyperplasia after early prenatal dexamethasone. J Clin Endo Meta . 2004;89:610-614.
New MI, Carlson A, Obeid J, et al. Extensive personal experience: prenatal diagnosis for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in 532 pregnancies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2001;86(12):5651-5657.
Oglive CM, Crouch NS, Rumsby G et al: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in adults: a review of medical, surgical and psychological issues. Clin Endocrinol 2006;64:2-11.
Technical report: congenital adrenal hyperplasia. American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/search?SITESECTION=policy_statement%2Cclinical_report%2Ctechnical_report%2Cpractice_guidelines%2Cparent_pages%2Cendorsed_policy_statement%2Cendorsed_clinical_report%2Cendorsed_technical_report%2Cendorsed_practice_guidelines&AAP_FLAG=CURRENT&datetype=rangedates&titleabstract=&fulltext=congenital+adrenal+hyperplasia&imageField.x=74&imageField.y=18 . Accessed September 22, 2005.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeW¹itt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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