Longitudinal analysis of growth and puberty in 21-hydroxylase deficiency patients

Effect of complete suppression of androstenedione on auxological development in prepubertal patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

Children with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) require glucocorticoid (GC) substitution due to impaired cortisol synthesis. To avoid over- or undertreatment, one has to consider auxology as well as biochemical parameters for adrenal derived steroids like androstenedione (A4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). There are no established reference values for A4 and 17-OHP in CAH.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study in 53 prepubertal patients with CAH. Datasets of patients were included if the plasma A4 values of the respective clinical visit were under the limit of quantification. Related 17-OHP values were extracted as well as height/length, weight, dose of hydrocortisone, HC regimen, bone age and stages of pubertal development.

RESULTS

Median hydrocortisone doses were in most observations within the recommended reference ranges. Hydrocortisone has a significant negative influence on 17-OHP values and HSDS. Age has a positive significant influence on 17-OHP, BMI-SDS, and HSDS. Median height standard-deviation-score (HSDS) was beneath 0 at all times, but showed an increasing trend in both sexes. Median body mass index standard-deviation-score (BMI-SDS) was above 0 at all times and showed an increasing trend as well.

CONCLUSIONS

With guideline-compliant doses of hydrocortisone, suppression of A4 at the respective time of day is possible in prepubertal children. Although HC has a significant negative influence on HSDS, increasing values for HSDS and HC are observed with increasing age. Thus, A4 suppression at the respective time point does not hinder regular growth. An increase in body mass index can already be observed as early as in prepuberty.

The utility of annual growth velocity standard deviation scores and measurements of biochemical parameters in long-term treatment monitoring of children with 21-hydroxylase deficiency

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the utility of annual growth velocity (GV) standard deviation scores (SDSs) and compatibility and effectiveness of biochemical parameters in long-term treatment monitoring and management of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) in children.

METHODS

Fifty children with 21-OHD were included in this study, and the biochemical parameters obtained during 402 visits were retrospectively evaluated. The follow-up period was divided between two GV SDS groups (GV SDS < 2 and GV SDS ≥ 2) and compared with auxological, biochemical, and clinical findings.

RESULTS

Elevation of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) values was observed at 193/402 visits, and both adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and total testosterone (tT) were observed at 53 of 193 (27.5%) visits. The calculated cut-off value for 17-OHP was > 4.3 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 85.48% and specificity of 37.59% in the GV SDS ≥ 2 group. In the GV SDS ≥ 2 group, the corrected final height SDS (cFH SDS) was lower, and the delta height was higher than in the GV SDS < 2 group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.008, respectively). Linear regression analysis of the GV SDSs revealed that 17-OHP values and the hydrocortisone dose (mg/m²) were affected (β = 0.037, p = 0.035, and β =  - 0.147, p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Annual GV was critical in the final height (FH) of children with 21-OHD. However, we observed inconsistency between the biochemical parameters in the follow-ups, and there were difficulties in evaluating these markers. Therefore, annual GV SDSs and biochemical findings should be used together in patients with 21-OHD at follow-ups.

Long-Term Outcomes of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

A plethora of negative long-term outcomes have been associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The causes are multiple and involve supra-physiological gluco- and mineralocorticoid replacement, excess adrenal androgens both intrauterine and postnatal, elevated steroid precursor and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, living with a congenital condition as well as the proximity of the cytochrome P450 family 21 subfamily A member 2 (CYP21A2) gene to other genes. This review aims to discuss the different long-term outcomes of CAH.

Characteristics of Growth in Children With Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency During Adrenarche and Beyond

CONTEXT

Patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) often do not achieve their full growth potential. Adrenarche may accelerate bone maturation and thereby result in decreased growth in CAH.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to analyze the impact of growth during adrenarche on final height of adequately treated classic CAH patients.

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter study (4 academic pediatric endocrinology centers) included 41 patients with classical CAH, born 1990-2012. We assessed skeletal maturation (bone age), growth velocity, and (projected) adult height outcomes, and analyzed potential influencing factors, such as sex, genotype, and glucocorticoid therapy.

RESULTS

Patients with classic CAH were shorter than peers (-0.4 SDS ± 0.8 SD) and their parents (corrected final height -0.6 SDS ± 1.0 SD). Analysis of growth during adrenarche revealed 2 different growth patterns: patients with accelerating bone age (49%), and patients with nonaccelerating bone age relative to chronological age (BA-CA). Patients with accelerating BA-CA were taller than the normal population during adrenarche years (P = 0.001) and were predicted to achieve lower adult height SDS (-0.9 SDS [95% CI, -1.3; -0.5]) than nonaccelerating patients when assessed during adrenarche (0.2 SDS [95% CI, -0.3; 0.8]). Final adult height was similarly reduced in both accelerating and nonaccelerating BA-CA groups (-0.4 SDS [95% CI, -0.9; 0.1] vs -0.3 SDS [95% CI, [-0.8; 0.1]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with and without significant bone age advancement, and thus differing height prediction during adrenarche, showed similar (predicted) final height when reassessed during pubertal years. Bone age alone should not be used during adrenarche as clinical marker for metabolic control in CAH treatment.

Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (2021 revision)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a category of disorders characterized by impaired adrenocortical steroidogenesis. The most frequent disorder of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 21-hydroxylase deficiency, which is caused by pathogenic variants of CAY21A2 and is prevalent between 1 in 18,000 and 20,000 in Japan. The clinical guidelines for 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Japan have been revised twice since a diagnostic handbook in Japan was published in 1989. On behalf of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the Japanese Society for Mass Screening, the Japanese Society for Urology, and the Japan Endocrine Society, the working committee updated the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency published in 2014, based on recent evidence and knowledge related to this disorder. The recommendations in the updated guidelines can be applied in clinical practice considering the risks and benefits to each patient.

Hydrocortisone dosing in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: results of the German/Austrian registry

OBJECTIVE

Treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is necessary to compensate for glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid deficiencies and to suppress androgen excess. Hydrocortisone (HC) is preferred in growing children with classic CAH but recommendations regarding dosage/administration are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to evaluate HC dosing in children with CAH in relation to chronological age, sex, and phenotype based on a multicenter CAH registry.

DESIGN

The CAH registry was initiated in 1997 by the AQUAPE in Germany. On December 31st 2018, data from 1571 patients were included.

METHODS

A custom-made electronic health record software is used at the participating centers. Pseudonymized data are transferred for central analysis. Parameters were selected based on current guidelines. Descriptive analyses and linear regression models were implemented with SAS 9.4.

RESULTS

We identified 1288 patients on exclusive treatment with hydrocortisone three times daily (604 boys; median age 7.2 years; 817 salt-wasting phenotype, 471 simple-virilizing phenotype). The mean (lower-upper quartiles) daily HC dose (mg/m² body surface area) was 19.4 (18.9-19.8) for patients <3 months (n = 329), 15.0 (14.6-15.3) for age ≥3-12 months (n = 463), 14.0 (13.7-14.3) for age 1-5.9 years (n = 745), 14.2 (14.0-14.5) for age 6 years to puberty entry (n = 669), and 14.9 (14.6-15.2) during puberty to 18 years (n = 801). Fludrocortisone was administered in 74.1% of patients with a median daily dosage of 88.8 µg.

CONCLUSION

Our analyses showed that still a high proportion of children are treated with HC doses higher than recommended. This evaluation provides comprehensive information on nationwide hydrocortisone substitution dosages in children with CAH underlining the benefit of systematic data within a registry to assess daily practice.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Newborn Screening in Brazil: A Comparison Between Screened and Unscreened Cohorts

Background: Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH-NBS) is not yet a worldwide consensus, in part due to inconclusive evidence regarding cost-effectiveness because the analysis requires an understanding of the short- and long-term costs of care associated with delayed diagnosis. Objective: The present study aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to compare the costs associated with CAH-NBS and clinical diagnosis. Methods: A decision model comparing the two strategies was tested by sensitivity analysis. The cost analysis perspective was the public health system. Unscreened patients' data were extracted from medical records of Hospital das Clinicas, Saõ Paulo, and screened data were extracted from the NBS Referral Center of São Paulo. The population comprised 195 classical patients with CAH, clinically diagnosed and confirmed by hormonal/CYP21A2 analysis, and 378,790 newborns screened during 2017. Adverse outcomes related to late diagnosis were measured in both cohorts, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. We hypothesized that CAH-NBS would be cost-effective. Results: Twenty-five screened infants were confirmed with CAH (incidence: 1:15,135). The mortality rate was estimated to be 11% in unscreened infants, and no deaths were reported in the screened cohort. Comparing the unscreened and screened cohorts, mean serum sodium levels were 121.2 mEq/L (118.3-124.1) and 131.8 mEq/L (129.3-134.5), mean ages at diagnosis were 38.8 and 17 days, and hospitalization occurred in 76% and 58% of the salt-wasting patients with the in the two cohorts, respectively. The NBS incremental cost was US$ 771,185.82 per death averted, which yielded an ICER of US$ 25,535.95 per discounted life-year saved. Conclusions: CAH-NBS is important in preventing CAH mortality/morbidity, can reduce costs associated with adverse outcomes, and appears cost-effective.

Aromatase Inhibitor as Treatment for Severely Advanced Bone Age in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AI) is a potential novel treatment in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and advanced bone age (BA), to increase near adult height (NAH). Not much is known about the efficacy of AI treatment in CAH and how AI treatment will influence the management of corticosteroid treatment.

CASE PRESENTATION

At the age of 6 years and 3 months, a boy with salt-losing CAH presented with a BA 7 years in advance. Treatment with an AI (exemestane) was initiated to decelerate bone maturation. We continued the standard dosage of corticosteroid treatment. Precocious puberty was treated with 4 years of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, while AI treatment was continued until attainment of NAH. His NAH 177.7 cm (-0.8 SDS) was considerably higher than his predicted adult height of 151.3 cm (-4.6 SDS) at the start of AI treatment. The higher serum androgen levels during AI treatment did not result in short adult stature.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

This report shows that AI treatment can adequately decelerate bone maturation, causing predicted adult height to increase significantly in patients of CAH with accelerated bone maturation. We suggest continuing the same corticosteroid dosage during AI treatment and accepting higher serum androgen levels.

Adverse Outcomes and Economic Burden of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Late Diagnosis in the Newborn Screening Absence

Objective

To establish short- and long-term adverse outcome frequencies related to a late diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in the absence of newborn screening (NBS) and to determine respective treatment costs, which have never been reported.

Design

A retrospective analysis of a CAH cohort diagnosed without NBS.

Methods

We evaluated medical record data concerning 195 patients (141 females) diagnosed with CAH through clinical suspicion and confirmed using hormonal and CYP21A2 analysis, who were followed from 1980 to 2016 at Sao Paulo University. We measured mortality, dehydration, mental impairment frequencies, and hospitalization length outcomes in the salt-wasting form; the frequency of genetic females raised as males in both forms, frequency of depot GnRh analog (GnRha) and GH therapies in the simple virilizing form, and related outcome costs were calculated.

Results

Mortality rates and associated costs, varying from 10% to 26% and from $2,239,744.76 to $10,271,591.25, respectively, were calculated using the Brazilian yearly live-births rate, estimated productive life years, and gross domestic product. In the salt-wasting form, 76% of patients were hospitalized, 8.6% were mentally impaired, and 3% of females were raised as males (total cost, $86,230/salt-wasting patient). GnRha and growth hormone were used for 28% and 14% of simple virilizing patients, respectively, and 18% of females were raised as males (preventable cost, $4232.74/simple virilizing patient).

Conclusions

A late CAH diagnosis leads to high mortality and morbidity rates, notably increasing public health costs, and may result in physical and psychological damage that is not easily measurable.

Long-term follow-up of children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: suggestions for age dependent treatment in childhood and puberty

Background In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), achieving the balance between overtreatment and undertreatment remains challenging. Final height (FH) can serve as a long-term outcome measure. We aimed to identify age-dependent factors that influence FH in CAH patients, resulting in age-specific treatment goals. Methods We retrospectively evaluated longitudinal data of 39 pediatric CAH patients born between 1980 and 1997 from the Radboudumc CAH database. We analyzed height and bone age (BA) at diagnosis or 4 years of age, at the start of puberty and at FH. Height data were corrected for parental height and secular trend. Hydrocortisone (HC) use and salivary steroid concentrations were studied longitudinally throughout childhood and puberty. Results Median FH standard deviation scores (SDSs) corrected for target height SDSs (THSDSs) was -1.63. Median height SDS corrected for THSDS (HSDS-THSDS) decreased from diagnosis/age 4 years to FH in both salt wasting (SW) CAH and simple virilizing (SV) CAH, and in both male and female patients. However, when height was corrected for BA, no height loss occurred from diagnosis/age 4 years to FH in any of the subgroups, while a height gain was seen in SV males. In the combined model analyzing both HC dose and salivary steroid concentrations, in childhood the androstenedione (A) concentration was negatively associated with FH, while in puberty the HC dose was negatively associated with FH. Conclusions In CAH, loss of growth potential already occurs in early childhood. In prepubertal children, exposure to elevated androgens is associated with decreased FH. In puberty, the growth suppressing effects of HC outweigh the negative effects of elevated androgens. Therefore, we suggest different treatment approaches in prepubertal and pubertal patients.

Height Velocity defined metabolic Control in Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia using urinary GC-MS Analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatment of children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with glucocorticoids is a difficult balance between hypercortisolism and hyperandrogenism. Biochemical monitoring of treatment is not well defined. Achievement of a normal growth rate is the most important therapeutic goal.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 123 24-h GC-MS urinary steroid metabolome analyses together with their corresponding one-year height velocity (HV) z-scores in 63 prepubertal children aged 7.2 ± 1.6 years with classic CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency treated with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone.

RESULTS

Multivariate linear mixed effects model analysis revealed a positive influence of CAH-specific z-scores of summed urinary androgen metabolites (B= 0.97 ± 0.20, t-value = 4.97, P < 0.0001) and a negative influence of the cortisol metabolite tetrahydrocortisol (B= -1.75 ± 0.79, t-value = -2.20, P = 0.03) on HV z-scores. ROC analysis demonstrated that adrenal androgen excess, defined as HV > 1.5 z, was best determined by a z-score of all urinary androgen metabolites of > 0.512 (accuracy 66.2%, sensitivity 57.1 %, specificity 74.4%, positive prediction values (PPV) 66.7%, negative prediction values (NPV) 65.9%). Tetrahydrocortisol excretion > 1480 µg/ m2 BSA/ d in conjunction with suppressed urinary androgen metabolites < 0.163 z indicated overtreatment, defined as HV < -1.5 z (accuracy 79.6 %, sensitivity 40.0 %, specificity 94.9%, PPV 75.0%, NPV 80.4%).

CONCLUSION

We could establish target values for urinary steroid metabolite excretions in children with CAH based on their growth rate. Urinary steroid metabolome analysis represents a highly suitable method for monitoring metabolic control in CAH children.

Clinical Patterns and Linear Growth in Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, an 11-Year Experience

OBJECTIVE

An important goal in treating children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is to achieve a normal final adult height (FH). The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentations and evaluate linear growth and possible factors affecting it in children with CAH.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 56 patients with CAH followed up in a tertiary center for 11 years. Patient's data including demographics, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory information at presentation and during follow-up period were collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Fifty-six children (31 females) with CAH were seen at KAMC-Jeddah over 11-year period and 91% were 21-hydroxylase deficient. Of these, 46.4% had hyponatremia and 28.6% had hyperkalemia (21.4% had hyponatremia and hyperkalemia) at presentation. Positive family history was documented in 53.6%. Ambiguous genitalia were present in 72% of females and the majority required corrective surgery. Males had significantly decreased HtSDS versus females and females had significantly higher body mass index. The HtSDS of children who had had higher 17OHP or salt-losing crisis during treatment was significantly lower than those who had normal 17OHP and those who did not have salt-losing crisis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The final height outcome in our patients with CAH treated with glucocorticoids is lower than the population norm. Proper control of the disease clinically and biochemically through strict compliance to medical therapy as well as close clinical and laboratory monitoring is an important key to achieve normal final adult height in these patients. Side effects, including overweight, obesity, and hypertension are true risk associations and need timely diagnosis and early management.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline

Objective

To update the congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency clinical practice guideline published by the Endocrine Society in 2010.

Conclusions

The writing committee presents updated best practice guidelines for the clinical management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia based on published evidence and expert opinion with added considerations for patient safety, quality of life, cost, and utilization.

Sodium Chloride Supplementation Is Not Routinely Performed in the Majority of German and Austrian Infants with Classic Salt-Wasting Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Has No Effect on Linear Growth and Hydrocortisone or Fludrocortisone Dose

INTRODUCTION

Sodium chloride supplementation in salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is generally recommended in infants, but its implementation in routine care is very heterogeneous.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate oral sodium chloride supplementation, growth, and hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dose in infants with salt-wasting CAH due to 21-hydroxylase in 311 infants from the AQUAPE CAH database.

RESULTS

Of 358 patients with classic CAH born between 1999 and 2015, 311 patients had salt-wasting CAH (133 females, 178 males). Of these, 86 patients (27.7%) received oral sodium chloride supplementation in a mean dose of 0.9 ± 1.4 mmol/kg/day (excluding nutritional sodium content) during the first year of life. 225 patients (72.3%) were not treated with sodium chloride. The percentage of sodium chloride-supplemented patients rose from 15.2% in children born 1999-2004 to 37.5% in children born 2011-2015. Sodium chloride-supplemented and -unsupplemented infants did not significantly differ in hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dose, target height-corrected height-SDS, and BMI-SDS during the first 2 years of life.

CONCLUSION

In the AQUAPE CAH database, approximately one-third of infants with salt-wasting CAH receive sodium chloride supplementation. Sodium chloride supplementation is performed more frequently in recent years. However, salt supplementation had no influence on growth, daily fludrocortisone and hydrocortisone dose, and frequency of adrenal crisis.

11-Oxygenated Androgens Are Biomarkers of Adrenal Volume and Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

CONTEXT

Patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) have long-term complications, resulting from poor disease control and/or glucocorticoid overtreatment. Lack of optimal biomarkers has made it challenging to tailor therapy and predict long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To identify biomarkers of disease control and long-term complications in 21OHD.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional study of 114 patients (70 males), ages 2 to 67 years (median, 15 years), seen in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

We correlated a mass-spectrometry panel of 23 steroids, obtained before first morning medication, with bone age advancement (children), adrenal volume (adults), testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART), hirsutism, menstrual disorders, and pituitary hormones.

RESULTS

Total adrenal volume correlated positively with 18 steroids, most prominently 21-deoxycortisol and four 11-oxygenated-C19 (11oxC19) steroids: 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4), 11-ketoandrostenedione (11ketoA4), 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT), and 11-ketotestosterone (11ketoT) (r ≈ 0.7, P < 0.0001). Nine steroids were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) in males with TART compared with those without TART, including 11OHA4 (6.8-fold), 11OHT (4.9-fold), 11ketoT (3.6-fold), 11ketoA4 (3.3-fold), and pregnenolone sulfate (PregS; 4.8-fold). PregS (28.5-fold) and 17-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate (19-fold) levels were higher (P < 0.01) in postpubertal females with menstrual disorders. In males, testosterone levels correlated positively with all 11oxC19 steroids in Tanner stages 1 and 2 (r ≈ 0.7; P < 0.001) but negatively in Tanner stage 5 (r = -0.3 and P < 0.05 for 11ketoA4 and 11ketoT). In females, testosterone level correlated positively with all four 11oxC19 steroids across all Tanner stages (r ≈ 0.8; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

11oxC19 steroids and PregS might serve as clinically useful biomarkers of disease control and long-term complications in 21OHD.

HYDROCORTISONE THERAPY AND GROWTH TRAJECTORY IN CHILDREN WITH CLASSICAL CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

OBJECTIVE

Poor linear growth is one of the main concerns in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). We aimed to analyze factors affecting growth trajectory in children with classical CAH.

METHODS

Clinical records of children followed from infancy up to the end of growth at two Italian tertiary referral hospitals were reviewed. Fifty-seven patients (31 males), treated with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone only, were included. Clinical observations were divided into three groups: 0 to 2 years, 172 observations; from 2 years to puberty onset, 813 observations; after puberty onset, 527 observations. Height velocity, pubertal growth spurt, and final height were evaluated as outcomes.

RESULTS

Final height standard deviation score (SDS) was lower than target height SDS (-0.74 ± 1.1 versus -0.31 ± 1.01; P<.001). Target-adjusted final height SDS was -0.44 ± 1.8 in males and -0.13 ± 1.1 in females (P = .001). Total pubertal growth was 21.9 ± 7.3 cm in males and 19.2 ± 8.2 cm in females (P = .19). Hydrocortisone dose increased and height-velocity SDS decreased during puberty. At multivariable analysis, height-velocity SDS was adversely affected by hydrocortisone dose (P = .038) and directly related to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels (P = .023). Target-adjusted final-height SDS was adversely affected by hydrocortisone dose (P<.001) and positively related to mineralocorticoid therapy (P = .001) and ACTH levels (P = .02). Total pubertal growth (cm) was positively related to ACTH levels (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Height outcome of CAH patients is now better than previously reported. During puberty, the lowest effective dose of hydrocortisone should be used to optimize pubertal growth spurt and final height.

ABBREVIATIONS

17-OHP = 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone BMI = body mass index CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia GH = growth hormone HPA = hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal PRA = plasma renin activity SDS = standard deviation score SV = simple virilizing SW = salt-wasting.

The urinary steroidome of treated children with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Monitoring treatment of children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is difficult and biochemical targets are not well defined. We retrospectively analysed 576 daily urinary steroid hormone metabolite profiles determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of 150 children aged 3.0-17.9 years with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) on hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatment. Daily urinary excretion of glucocorticoid-, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP)-, and androgen metabolites as well as growth and weight gain are presented. Children with classic CAH exhibited increased height velocity during prepubertal age, which was then followed by diminished growth velocity during pubertal age until final height was reached. Final height was clearly below the population mean. 11β-Hydroxyandrosterone was the dominant urinary adrenal-derived androgen metabolite in CAH children. Adrenarche is blunted in children with CAH under hydrocortisone treatment and androgen metabolites except 11β-hydroxyandrosterone were suppressed. Cortisol metabolite excretion reflected supraphysiological hydrocortisone treatment dosage, which resulted in higher body-mass-indices in children with CAH. Reference values of daily urinary steroid metabolite excretions of treated children with CAH allow the clinician to adequately classify the individual patient regarding the androgen-, 17-OHP-, and glucocorticoid status in the context of the underlying disorder. Additionally, urinary 21-OHD-specific reference ranges will be important for research studies in children with CAH.

Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (2014 revision)

Purpose of developing the guidelines: The first guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) were published as a diagnostic handbook in Japan in 1989, with a focus on patients with severe disease. The “Guidelines for Treatment of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (21-Hydroxylase Deficiency) Found in Neonatal Mass Screening (1999 revision)” published in 1999 were revised to include 21-OHD patients with very mild or no clinical symptoms. Accumulation of cases and experience has subsequently improved diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Based on these findings, the Mass Screening Committee of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology further revised the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Target disease/conditions: 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Users of the guidelines: Physician specialists in pediatric endocrinology, pediatric specialists, referring pediatric practitioners, general physicians; and patients.

The relation of peripubertal and pubertal growth to final adult height in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the relationships between peripubertal and pubertal timing and growth, along with glucocorticoid exposure, to the reduced final adult height seen in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

STUDY DESIGN

Chart review of 104 children with classic CAH (41 males: 28 salt-wasting, 13 simple-virilizing; 63 females: 38 salt-wasting, 25 simple-virilizing) were selected from a cohort from 3 medical institutions in Minnesota. Triple logistic modeling of longitudinal data was performed to determine patterns of peripubertal and pubertal growth.

RESULTS

Hydrocortisone dose was similar between subtypes and during all growth periods. Simple-virilizing boys (P < .01) and girls (P < .01) were diagnosed later than their salt-wasting counterparts. Height at take-off SDS was reduced for patients with salt-wasting (boys: P < .01; girls: P < .01), and bone age at take-off SDS was more advanced for patients with simple-virilizing (boys: P < .01; girls: P = .05). Bone age at pubertal onset SDS was advanced for all patients, but more so for boys and girls with simple-virilizing. Although all patients had reduced final adult height SDS, this was more pronounced in patients with salt-wasting.

CONCLUSION

Reduced final adult height SDS in patients with salt-wasting vs simple-virilizing may be attributable in part to a later age of diagnosis and resultant less prolonged exposure to hydrocortisone. This finding suggests that duration of hydrocortisone treatment in the peripubertal period, independent of the hydrocortisone dose, may affect final adult height in patients with CAH.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Growth Pattern in Patients with Salt-wasting 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

The objective of this study was to investigate the growth pattern of children with the salt-wasting form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). We reviewed the medical records of 13 patients in whom salt-wasting 21-OHD was diagnosed during the first 2 mo of life at our hospital from 1980 through 2008. Six reached adult height. Growth patterns, bone age, biochemical data, and the hydrocortisone dose at each growth stage were analyzed retrospectively. The mean adult height was 155.1 ± 6.5 cm (mean ± SD) in females and 158.1 ± 7.1 cm in males. Although length at birth was normal or longer than the national mean in almost all patients, the mean height SD score of both boys and girls decreased to below 0 SD during infancy. Subsequently, both boys and girls transiently showed growth acceleration and reached their peak growth velocity at 3–10 yr of age. In conclusion, in addition to suppression of growth during infancy, there was inappropriate growth acceleration during childhood. Especially from 3 mo to 3 yr of age, decreasing the hydrocortisone dose in patients who exhibit slower growth may lead to satisfactory height outcomes. Also, strict adjustment of the hydrocortisone dose to avoid accelerated growth from childhood to adolescence might improve adult height outcomes of patients with 21-OHD.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: issues in diagnosis and treatment in children

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a common disorder of impaired adrenal cortisol biosynthesis with associated androgen excess. The clinical presentation of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the commonest cause of CAH, forms a spectrum and can be divided into classic and non-classic types. The former consists of life threatening salt wasting and non-life threatening simple virilizing phenotypes. Patients with the non-classic form are asymptomatic or have mild features of androgen excess. Most developed countries have newborn screening facilities for CAH. In the absence of newborn screening, the diagnosis of CAH may be missed or delayed. This can result in neonatal mortality in salt wasting forms and incorrect sex of rearing in females with simple virilizing form. The diagnosis is reached by demonstrating high serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels. Preterm birth and neonatal illness can cause physiological elevation of 17OHP, thus complicating the diagnosis of CAH in the newborn period. Prenatal diagnosis and treatment with dexamethasone to prevent virilization of affected female fetuses is another area of controversy. The management of CAH is complicated by the need to use supraphysiologic doses of glucocorticoids to suppress adrenal androgen synthesis. In this review, the authors address pertinent issues related to the diagnosis and management of CAH in children.

Validation of automatic bone age determination in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Determination of bone age is routinely used for following up substitution therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) but today is a procedure with significant subjectivity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to test the performance of automatic bone age rating by the BoneXpert software package in all radiographs of children with CAH seen at our clinic from 1975 to 2006.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight hundred and ninety-two left-hand radiographs from 100 children aged 0 to 17 years were presented to a human rater and BoneXpert for bone age rating. Images where ratings differed by more than 1.5 years were each rerated by four human raters.

RESULTS

Rerating was necessary in 20 images and the rerating result was closer to the BoneXpert result than to the original manual rating in 18/20 (90 %). Bone age rating precision based on the smoothness of longitudinal curves comprising a total of 327 data triplets spanning less than 1.7 years showed BoneXpert to be more precise (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

BoneXpert performs reliable bone age ratings in children with CAH.

Clinical features of congenital adrenal insufficiency including growth patterns and significance of ACTH stimulation test

Congenital adrenal insufficiency is caused by specific genetic mutations. Early suspicion and definite diagnosis are crucial because the disease can precipitate a life-threatening hypovolemic shock without prompt treatment. This study was designed to understand the clinical manifestations including growth patterns and to find the usefulness of ACTH stimulation test. Sixteen patients with confirmed genotyping were subdivided into three groups according to the genetic study results: congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH, n=11), congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (n=3) and X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (n=2). Bone age advancement was prominent in patients with CAH especially after 60 months of chronologic age (n=6, 67%). They were diagnosed in older ages in group with bone age advancement (P<0.05). Comorbid conditions such as obesity, mental retardation, and central precocious puberty were also prominent in this group. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of understanding the clinical symptoms as well as genetic analysis for early diagnosis and management of congenital adrenal insufficiency. ACTH stimulation test played an important role to support the diagnosis and serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels were significantly elevated in all of the CAH patients. The test will be important for monitoring growth and puberty during follow up of patients with congenital adrenal insufficiency.

Aromatase inhibitors in pediatrics

Aromatase, an enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells, catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the conversion of androgens to estrogens in many tissues. The clinical features of patients with defects in CYP19A1, the gene encoding aromatase, have revealed a major role for this enzyme in epiphyseal plate closure, which has promoted interest in the use of inhibitors of aromatase to improve adult height. The availability of the selective aromatase inhibitors letrozole and anastrozole--currently approved as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer--have stimulated off-label use of aromatase inhibitors in pediatrics for the following conditions: hyperestrogenism, such as aromatase excess syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, McCune-Albright syndrome and functional follicular ovarian cysts; hyperandrogenism, for example, testotoxicosis (also known as familial male-limited precocious puberty) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia; pubertal gynecomastia; and short stature and/or pubertal delay in boys. Current data suggest that aromatase inhibitors are probably effective in the treatment of patients with aromatase excess syndrome or testotoxicosis, partially effective in Peutz-Jeghers and McCune-Albright syndrome, but probably ineffective in gynecomastia. Insufficient data are available in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia or functional ovarian cysts. Although aromatase inhibitors appear effective in increasing adult height of boys with short stature and/or pubertal delay, safety concerns, including vertebral deformities, a decrease in serum HDL cholesterol levels and increase of erythrocytosis, are reasons for caution.

IGF-I-IGFBP-3-acid-labile subunit (ALS) complex in children and adolescents with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH)

It has been shown that changes in IGF-I and IGFBP levels in children with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH) are correlated with different states of metabolic control. Our approach was to analyze the serum levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, their molar ratio IGF-I:IGFBP-3 (MR), and ALS in a cohort of CAH children and adolescents, and their associations with different clinical and biochemical parameters.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

56 patients, aged between 5.6 and 19.0 years were studied cross-sectionally. All patients had genetically proven CAH and received standard steroid substitution therapy. We measured serum levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and ALS by commercial ELISA and calculated MR and assigned population-based SD scores (SDS).

RESULTS

(median, quartiles) Overall IGF-I was not significantly altered (0.05 SDS, -1.21, 0.92), whereas IGFBP-3 was significantly elevated (1.50 SDS; 0.58, 1.95, p<0.0001) compared to the reference population. Consecutively, MR was decreased (-0.64 SDS; -1.38, 0.32; p=0.0017). ALS was clearly decreased (-1.95 SDS; -3.075, -1.00; p<0.0001). ALS, IGF-I, MR, and IGFBP-3 SDS were lower in pubertal than in prepubertal patients (p<0.05). ALS SDS were lower in girls (p=0.0038). Correlation analyses (r(s), p) revealed correlations between MR/ALS and chronological age (-0.583, <0.0001/-0.428, 0.0010), MR/ALS and Tanner stages (-0.500, <0.0001/-0.334, 0.0118), MR/ALS and bone age (0.407, 0.0075/0.426, 0.0049), and between MR and ALS (0.405, 0.0020), respectively. For MR and ALS, we found no significant correlations for BMI, HOMA-IR, hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dosage, or parameters of metabolic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide evidence that the components of the trimeric IGF-I-IGFBP-3-ALS complex are altered in CAH children with possible implications on pubertal growth and final height.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia--pharmacologic interventions from the prenatal phase to adulthood

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common inherited autosomal recessive disorders, caused by deficiency of one of the enzymes involved in steroid synthesis. The clinical picture of the most prevalent form, i.e. 21-hydroxylase deficiency, is characterized by cortisol and mostly aldosterone deficiency and androgen excess (leading to congenital virilization in girls). Treatment consists of glucocorticoids, aimed at substitution of cortisol deficiency and, decrease of androgen excess. Usually supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids are required to effectively suppress adrenal androgens. Furthermore, with the currently available glucocorticoid preparations, it is not possible to simulate a normal circadian rhythm in CAH patients. Therefore, it is a difficult task for (pediatric) endocrinologists to find the best balance between under- and overtreatment thereby avoiding important long term complications. In this review we will discuss the current pharmacologic treatment options. We give age dependent dose recommendations and describe the limitations of current treatment strategies. We discuss effects on fertility, bone density and cardiovascular risks. Recommendations about the use of glucocorticoids in case of fever or stress situations are given. The principles of treatment of non classic (mild) CAH are discussed in a separate section. Also prenatal therapy, to prevent congenital virilization of a female CAH newborn, is discussed. Furthermore, an overview of alternative pharmacological treatment options in the future is given.

Comparison of multiple steroid concentrations in serum and dried blood spots throughout the day of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND/AIM

periodic measurement of plasma concentrations of cortisol precursors on a clinic visit may be of limited value in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia because it does not reflect a patient's circadian patterns of adrenal steroid secretion. Steroid profiling in dried blood spots (DBS) may allow for more frequent and sensitive monitoring.

METHODS

we compared the agreement between 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and androstenedione (D4A) levels determined from DBS samples and concurrently collected serum samples. Blood was drawn from 9 congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients every 4 h over a 24-hour period. Serum and DBS steroid levels were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

DBS determinations of 17-OHP overestimated corresponding serum levels (mean difference 1.67 ng/ml), and underestimated D4A serum levels (mean difference 0.84 ng/ml). However, the DBS assay yielded excellent agreement (97%) with serum 17-OHP, but did considerably poorer for D4A (31%).

CONCLUSIONS

our results indicate an excellent agreement between DBS and serum 17-OHP measurements to identify the peaks and troughs associated with an individual's circadian pattern. Larger-scale studies are required to evaluate the utility of DBS for home monitoring and to determine if more frequent monitoring leads to improved clinical outcomes.

Bone health should be an important concern in the care of patients affected by 21 hydroxylase deficiency

Osteoporosis has been an understandable concern for children and adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) who may receive or have received supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids. Some previous reports on bone mineral density (BMD) in adult CAH patients showed no significant differences in BMD between patients with CAH and controls, but others have found lower BMD in CAH patients. In reports documenting the BMD reduction, this outcome has been attributed to an accumulated effect of prolonged exposure to excess glucocorticoids during infancy and childhood. We recently conducted a trial to establish the role of the total cumulative glucocorticoid dose on BMD. We established for the first time that there was a negative relationship between total cumulative glucocorticoid dose and lumbar and femoral BMD. Women might benefit from the preserving effect of estrogens compared to men. BMI (Body Mass Index) also appeared to protect patients from bone loss. In light of this, physicians should bear in mind the potential consequences of glucocorticoids on bone and therefore adjust the treatment and improve clinical and biological surveillance from infancy. Furthermore, preventive measures against corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis should be discussed right from the beginning of glucocorticoid therapy.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline

OBJECTIVE

We developed clinical practice guidelines for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

PARTICIPANTS

The Task Force included a chair, selected by The Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee (CGS), ten additional clinicians experienced in treating CAH, a methodologist, and a medical writer. Additional experts were also consulted. The authors received no corporate funding or remuneration.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Consensus was guided by systematic reviews of evidence and discussions. The guidelines were reviewed and approved sequentially by The Endocrine Society's CGS and Clinical Affairs Core Committee, members responding to a web posting, and The Endocrine Society Council. At each stage, the Task Force incorporated changes in response to written comments.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend universal newborn screening for severe steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency followed by confirmatory tests. We recommend that prenatal treatment of CAH continue to be regarded as experimental. The diagnosis rests on clinical and hormonal data; genotyping is reserved for equivocal cases and genetic counseling. Glucocorticoid dosage should be minimized to avoid iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Mineralocorticoids and, in infants, supplemental sodium are recommended in classic CAH patients. We recommend against the routine use of experimental therapies to promote growth and delay puberty; we suggest patients avoid adrenalectomy. Surgical guidelines emphasize early single-stage genital repair for severely virilized girls, performed by experienced surgeons. Clinicians should consider patients' quality of life, consulting mental health professionals as appropriate. At the transition to adulthood, we recommend monitoring for potential complications of CAH. Finally, we recommend judicious use of medication during pregnancy and in symptomatic patients with nonclassic CAH.

An Evidence-Based Model of Multidisciplinary Care for Patients and Families Affected by Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

In 2002 a consensus statement pertaining to the management of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency was jointly produced by the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society and the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology. One of the recommendations of this consensus was that centers should maintain multidisciplinary teams for providing care and support to these patients and their families. However, the specifics for how this should be accomplished were not addressed in the original consensus statement. Here we interpret and translate the 2002 consensus statement recommendations into medical, surgical and mental health protocols. Additionally, we provide preliminary evidence that such protocols result in improved care and support for patients and families.

Growth and reproductive outcomes in congenital adrenal hyperplasia

The treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is complex. In addition to disease control, important therapeutic goals are the maintenance of normal growth and the acquisition of normal reproductive function. Here, data regarding final adult height (FH) in patients with CAH will be reviewed. Additional difficulties associated with CAH, including risks of obesity and hypertension, will be discussed. Information about fertility and reproductive outcomes in men and women with CAH will also be summarized. Although the treatment of each child with CAH needs to be individualized, close medical followup and laboratory monitoring along with good compliance can often result in positive clinical outcomes.

Growth hormone response to physical exercise in growing patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Glucocorticoid over-treatment in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) may suppress GH secretion and growth. Aims of our study were: 1) to evaluate post-exercise GH response in patients affected by CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, in comparison with a group of healthy subjects; 2) to investigate the relationship between the hormonal markers of adequate steroid therapy and GH secretion. We evaluated GH secretion every 6 months in 20 young CAH patients (8 girls, 12 boys). Mean follow-up was 4.6+/-0.9 yr (107 tests performed, 5.35+/-2.05 repeated tests for each patient). Forty-four healthy subjects (25 boys, 19 girls) were selected as a control group. The range of post-exercise GH peak was very wide, but medians were not statistically different in cases and controls (p=0.570). Multivariate analysis showed that post-exercise GH peak was not related to age (p=0.743), gender (p=0.296) or pubertal status (p=0.440) in both groups. GH increase from baseline showed the same behavior (p=0.265, 0.639 and 0.105, respectively). In CAH patients, GH peak and GH increase were both directly related to 17-OH-progesterone levels [GH peak: p=0.032--95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.34--beta=0.18; GH increase: p=0.008--95% CI: 0.06-0.35--beta=0.20]. The negative effect of glucocorticoid therapy on GH secretion seems to be dominant in CAH. The most effective approach to adjust treatment remains monitoring growth. Relying on hormonal markers to adequate steroid therapy may result in over-treatment, GH suppression, and finally poor linear growth.

Crescimento de pacientes com hiperplasia congênita das supra-renais, forma perdedora de sal, nos dois primeiros anos de vida

OBJETIVOS: avaliar crescimento e recuperação nutricional de pacientes com hiperplasia congênita supra-renal, forma clássica perdedora de sal, nos dois primeiros anos de vida. MÉTODOS: analisamos escores z de peso e comprimento de 21 pacientes ao nascimento, primeira consulta, com um e dois anos de idade. Determinamos concentrações de 17-hidroxiprogesterona, androstenediona e doses de hidrocortisona prescritas da primeira consulta até um e dois anos de idade (períodos 1 e 2, respectivamente). RESULTADOS: a média de idade na primeira consulta foi 36,7 dias. Escore z do peso ao nascimento foi -0,23±1,4; na primeira consulta -2,31±1,3; com um ano -1,43±1,6 e dois anos -0,77± 1,3. Escore z do comprimento ao nascimento foi -0,69±2,3; na primeira consulta -1,87±1,7; com um ano -1,68±1,1 e dois anos -1,07±1,0. A diferença entre os escores aos dois anos e na primeira consulta foi 1,54±1,7 para o peso e 0,80±1,6 para o comprimento. Média de hidrocortisona prescrita foi 21,3 e 19,9 mg/m2/dia nos períodos 1 e 2 e concentrações (ng/dL) de 17-hidroxiprogesterona e androstenediona foram 9,1 e 0,14 no período 1 e 4,4 e 0,27 no 2, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: foram observados recuperação nutricional com o tratamento e, aos dois anos, peso e comprimento normais, embora inferiores aos da população.

Hydrocortisone dosing during puberty in patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: an evidence-based recommendation

CONTEXT

Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for early pubertal development and diminished pubertal growth. Liberal treatment with glucocorticoids will prevent early puberty but may inhibit growth outright.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine an optimal range for hydrocortisone dosing during puberty in children with classical CAH who were exclusively treated with hydrocortisone.

METHODS

The effects of glucocorticoid treatment for classical CAH were retrospectively analyzed in 92 patients (57 females). Growth pattern, final height (FH), and mean daily hydrocortisone dose were recorded.

RESULTS

Pubertal growth was significantly reduced in all patients: salt-wasting (SW) females, 13.8 +/- 7.4 cm; simple virilizing (SV) females, 13.1 +/- 6.2 cm; vs. reference, 20.3 +/- 6.8 cm (P < 0.05); and SW males, 17.7 +/- 6.7 cm; SV males, 16.2 +/- 5.7 cm; vs. reference, 28.2 +/- 8.2 cm (P < 0.05). Decreased pubertal growth resulted in FH at the lower limit of genetic potential (corrected FH in SW females, -0.6 +/- 0.9; SV females, -0.3 +/- 0.9; SW males, -0.8 +/- 0.8; and SV males, -1.0 +/- 1.0). During puberty, mean daily hydrocortisone dose was 17.2 +/- 3.4 mg/m(2) in females (SW, 17.0 +/- 3.3; SV, 17.4 +/- 3.5) and 17.9 +/- 2.5 mg/m(2) in males (SW, 17.4 +/- 2.0; SV, 18.7 +/- 3.1). In a logistic regression model, a significant correlation between hydrocortisone dose and FH was found (P < 0.01), and the positive predictive value for short stature rose from below 30% to above 60% when hydrocortisone dose exceeded 17 mg/m(2).

CONCLUSION

With conventional hydrocortisone treatment, pubertal growth is significantly reduced in both sexes, resulting in a FH at the lower limit of genetic potential. These deleterious effects on pubertal growth can be reduced if hydrocortisone does not exceed 17 mg/m(2).

24-hour blood pressure profiles in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia on two different hydrocortisone treatment regimens

AIM

To study the effect of two hydrocortisone (HC) treatment regimens on 24-h blood pressure (BP) profiles in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

DESIGN

Six patients (4 F/2 M) with the salt-wasting form of CAH, aged from 5.0-9.7 years, underwent 24-h BP monitoring on two treatment regimens: a higher HC dose in the morning (regimen A) or in the evening (regimen B).

RESULTS

The mean 24-h systolic BP (sBP) on regimen B was more than 1 SDS higher than on regimen A (0.92 +/- 1.17 vs. -0.13 +/- 1.23, p < 0.05). The difference was seen both in daytime and night-time BP. Regimen B significantly increased sBP in four patients and diastolic BP in two patients. Mean drop in night-time sBP was 8.8% on regimen A and 8% on regimen B. Biochemical control was not different between the two regimens.

CONCLUSION

The HC treatment regimen with a higher dose in the evening increased 24-h BP levels in children with CAH and did not improve biochemical control of the disease.

Management of the child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency leads to glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency. Management should be viewed as a process of care which requires input from an interdisciplinary team. Glucocorticoid therapy should take the form of hydrocortisone in a starting dose of 15 mg/m(2)/day (divided into three doses), and the dose should be titrated to blood or urine profiles of cortisol and 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Mineralocorticoid replacement (9 alpha-fludrocortisone) requires higher doses in infancy and childhood than in adolescence. The starting dose should be 150 microg/m(2)/day, and the dose thereafter titrated to plasma renin activity and blood pressure. Despite adequate glucocorticoid substitution and concordance with medical therapy, control can be difficult during puberty due to alterations in the clearance of hydrocortisone, and dosing schedules may need to be adjusted to account for this. Follow-up should address the many facets of CAH, which should be assessed at an annual review, and a suggested protocol is presented.

Motor development in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: strength, targeting, and fine motor skill

This study investigated early androgen influence on the development of human motor and visuomotor characteristics. Participants, ages 12-45 years, were individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a disorder causing increased adrenal androgen production before birth (40 females, 29 males) and their unaffected relatives (29 females, 30 males). We investigated grip strength and visuomotor targeting tasks on which males generally outperform females, and fine motor pegboard tasks on which females generally outperform males. Physical characteristics (height and weight) were measured to explore whether body parameters could explain differences in motor skills. Females with CAH were stronger and showed better targeting than unaffected females and showed reduced fine visuomotor skill on one pegboard measure, with no difference on the other. Males with CAH were weaker than unaffected males in grip strength but did not differ on the targeting or pegboard measures. Correction for body size could not explain the findings for females, but suggests that the reduced strength of males with CAH may relate to their smaller stature. Further, the targeting advantage in females with CAH persisted following adjustment for their greater strength. Results in females support the hypothesis that androgen may masculinize, or promote, certain motor characteristics at which males excel, and contribute to defeminization of certain fine motor characteristics at which females excel. Thus, these data suggest that organizational effects of androgens on behavior during prenatal life may extend to motor characteristics and may contribute to general sex differences in motor-related behaviors; however, alternative explanations based on activational influences of androgen or altered experiential factors cannot be excluded without further study.

Impact of total cumulative glucocorticoid dose on bone mineral density in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency

OBJECTIVE

It remains controversial whether long-term glucocorticoids are charged of bone demineralization in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The aim of this study was to know whether cumulative glucocorticoid dose from the diagnosis in childhood to adulthood in patients with CAH had a negative impact on bone mineral density (BMD).

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

METHODS

Thirty-eight adult patients with classical and non-classical CAH were included. BMD was measured in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Total cumulative glucocorticoid (TCG) and total average glucocorticoid (TAG) doses were calculated from pediatric and adult files.

RESULTS

We showed a difference between final and target heights (-0.82+/-0.92 s.d. for women and -1.31+/-0.84 s.d. for men; P<0.001). Seventeen patients (44.7%) had bone demineralization (35.7% of women and 70% of men). The 28 women had higher BMD than the 10 men for lumbar (-0.26+/-1.20 vs -1.25+/-1.33 s.d.; P=0.02) and femoral T-scores (0.21+/-1.30 s.d. versus -1.08+/-1.10 s.d.; P=0.007). In the salt-wasting group, women were almost significantly endowed with a better BMD than men (P=0.053). We found negative effects of TCG, TAG on lumbar (P<0.001, P=0.002) and femoral T-scores (P=0.006, P<0.001), predominantly during puberty. BMI was protective on BMD (P=0.006).

CONCLUSION

The TCG is an important factor especially during puberty for a bone demineralization in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The glucocorticoid treatment should be adapted particularly at this life period and preventive measures should be discussed in order to limit this effect.

Growth in patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

BACKGROUND

One important goal in the management of children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is to achieve normal growth. Reviewing available data published over the last few years on growth and height outcomes in CAH patients, it becomes evident that an acceptable height can be achieved by many CAH patients. However, linear growth and final adult height may be stunted in some patients due to factors related to the timing of diagnosis, the age at therapy onset, the start of therapy, the adequacy of metabolic control, the quality of therapy, patient compliance and the experience of the treating physician. In children with CAH who have a poor height prognosis, additional treatment options should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of children with CAH requires individualized approaches to prevent long-term growth failure.

Recent advances in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is an autosomal-recessive disease causing cortisol deficiency, aldosterone deficiency and hyperandrogenism. Diagnosis of 21-OHD is confirmed by steroid analysis in newborn screening or later on. Standard medical treatment consists of oral glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid administration in order to suppress adrenal androgens and to compensate for adrenal steroid deficiencies. However, available treatment is far from ideal, and not much is known about the long-term outcome in CAH as trials in patients in adulthood or old age are rare. Here we briefly describe the pathophysiology, clinical picture, genetics and epidemiology of 21-OHD. This is followed by a comprehensive review of the recent advances in diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Novel insights have been gained in the fields of newborn screening, specific steroid measurement utilizing mass spectrometry, genetics, glucocorticoid stress dosing, additive medical therapy, prenatal treatment, side-effects of medical treatment, adrenomedullary involvement, metabolic morbidity, fertility and gender identity. However, many issues are still unresolved, and novel questions, which will have to be answered in the future, arise with every new finding.

Avaliação do crescimento, do controle laboratorial e da corticoterapia em um grupo de pacientes com a forma clássica da deficiência da 21-hidroxilase

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão de crescimento de pacientes com hiperplasia adrenal congênita com a forma clássica da deficiência da 21-hidroxilase (21-OH), em relação ao controle hormonal e ao uso de corticóide no tratamento. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de 45 pacientes. Como padrão de crescimento, foi utilizado o ganho ou não de altura, avaliando-se a diferença entre o escore Z da estatura na última consulta (para idade óssea) em relação ao escore Z da estatura no início do tratamento (para a idade cronológica). Foram avaliadas todas as concentrações de 17-OH progesterona (17-OHP), androstenediona e renina, sendo considerados bem controlados os pacientes com 50% ou mais das dosagens normais. Em relação ao corticóide, foram analisados o tipo e a dose. RESULTADOS: A idade na última consulta variou de 2,8 a 26,6 anos (12,6+5,8 anos), sendo 31 do sexo feminino, 30 com a forma perdedora de sal; 62% foram considerados bem controlados para 17-OHP, 75% para androstenediona e 78% para renina. A hidrocortisona foi usada por 41 pacientes (20,2+2,6 mg/m²/dia) e, por 40, em associação com a 9a-fludrocortisona. Encontrou-se 14 pacientes com ganho, 20 com manutenção e 11 com perda estatural. Os pacientes perdedores de sal (p=0,01) e os bem controlados (p=0,0005) para 17-OHP e androstenediona apresentaram associação significativa com o ganho de estatura. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta amostra de pacientes com a forma clássica da deficiência da 21-OHD, o melhor crescimento apresentou associação com o bom controle laboratorial da 17-OHP e da androstenediona e com a forma perdedora de sal.

Growth and pubertal characteristics in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

This retrospective study examined the pubertal characteristics and growth in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). There were 18 males and 31 females with salt wasting (SW), simple virilizing (SV), or non-classical (NC) 21-OHD. Mean ages at onset of puberty (AOP) in SW, SV, and NC males were 9.2 +/- 1.9, 10.3 +/- 1.1, and 10.7 +/- 0.8 years, respectively; while mean AOP in SW, SV, and NC females were 9.3 +/- 1.7, 8.6 +/- 1.6, and 8.5 +/- 1.3 years, respectively. Mean final height (FH) in SW males (159.6 +/- 7.8 cm) was less than in SV (166.8 +/- 7.5 cm, p = 0.06) and NC (173.4 +/- 6.4 cm, p = 0.005) males. Mean FH in SW females (157.1 +/- 5.5 cm) was similar to SV (156.0 +/- 8.4 cm) but less than NC (161.3 +/- 5.4 cm, p = 0.01) females. In conclusion, while the patients as a group entered puberty earlier than the general population, SW males entered puberty the earliest and had the most compromised FH outcome.

Reduced final height outcome in congenital adrenal hyperplasia under prednisone treatment: deceleration of growth velocity during puberty

CONTEXT

Normal to decreased final height (FH) has been reported in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine FH outcome and influences of steroid treatment.

METHODS

The effects of glucocorticoid treatment for classical CAH were retrospectively studied in 125 patients (77 females). Growth pattern, FH, and pubertal development were recorded.

RESULTS

Corrected FH was in the lower range of genetic potential [females with simple virilizing (SV)-CAH, -0.6 +/- 1.0 sd score (SDS) vs. females with salt-wasting (SW)-CAH, -0.6 +/- 0.9 SDS; males with SV-CAH, -1.1 +/- 0.9 SDS vs. males with SW-CAH, -0.9 +/- 0.9 SDS]. Total pubertal growth was significantly reduced in comparison with a reference population (females with SV-CAH, 11.9 +/- 6.5 cm, and females with SW-CAH, 13.8 +/- 7.6 cm vs. reference 20.3 +/- 6.8 cm, P < 0.01; and males with SV-CAH, 15.4 +/- 6.6 cm, and males with SW-CAH, 18.5 +/- 6.9 cm vs. reference 28.2 +/- 8.2 cm, P < 0.01). Thirty-three patients had been treated with prednisone, which resulted in reduced FH compared with patients (n = 92) treated with hydrocortisone (-1.0 +/- 0.9 SDS vs.-0.6 +/- 0.9 SDS; P < 0.05). FH correlated negatively with hydrocortisone dose given at the start of puberty (r = -0.3; P < 0.05). Pubertal development started early in boys [9.8 +/- 2.3 yr (SV) and 10.6 +/- 1.9 yr (SW)] and was timely in girls [9.8 +/- 1.9 yr (SV) and 10.3 +/- 1.5 yr (SW), menarche at 13.3 +/- 1.7 yr (SV) and 13.7 +/- 1.5 yr (SV)].

CONCLUSION

Patients with CAH are able to achieve adequate FH with conventional therapy. Total pubertal growth is significantly decreased, and treatment with prednisone results in decreased FH. In addition to biochemical analysis, treatment should be adjusted to normal growth velocity, especially during puberty.

A review of the effects of therapy on growth and bone mineralization in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

The medical management of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can be challenging with regard to optimizing final height. Insufficient glucocorticoid suppression of adrenal hormone production will result in acceleration of bone maturation and premature epiphyseal fusion, while appropriate or excessive glucocorticoid therapy can be accompanied by suppression of the growth axis. The extent of the growth suppression appears to be affected by the type and dose of glucocorticoid. Some studies suggest that such growth suppression can be ameliorated through concomitant use of growth hormone (GH) therapy. Available data published over the last 10 years on height outcomes in CAH patients treated with glucocorticoids will be reviewed.