(CAH)
Definition
Definition
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic conditions. These conditions affect the adrenal glands. These glands control how the body grows and develops. There are many types of CAH.
Causes
Causes
CAH is a genetic disorder. It is passed from the parents to the child.
The symptoms of CAH are caused by problems in the adrenal glands. In CAH, the glands may have trouble making one or both of the following hormones:
- Cortisol—helps the body respond to stress and infections
- Aldosterone—helps the body maintain normal levels of sodium and potassium
The adrenal gland will work harder to try to produce more of the missing hormones. This can lead to an overproduction of another hormone called androgen. This hormone is present in boys and girls, but is responsible for the development of male features. Other adrenal hormones may affect how the body handles salt and water.
Adrenal GlandsCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
A family history of CAH will increase your child’s chance of having the condition. People can carry the gene for CAH and not have the disorder. In this case, both parents must have the CAH gene for the child to have a 25% chance of getting CAH.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary with the different types of CAH and the gender of the child. General symptoms include:
-
Altered or unexpected features in newborn girls such as:
- Unusual appearance of genitalia
- Parts of the external genitalia may resemble a penis
-
Early signs of puberty in boys as young as 2-3 years old such as:
- Becoming very muscular
- Experiencing penis growth
- Developing
pubic hair
- Having a deepening voice
- Excessive facial and/or body hair
- Fast growth compared to peers of the same age—most children will stop growing sooner than their peers and are often relatively short as adults
- Difficulty fighting respiratory infections and illnesses
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Severe acne
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bluish skin color
- Confusion
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Testing may be done during pregnancy, just after birth, or after symptoms develop.
Testing may be done during pregnancy if there is a family history of CAH, especially if a sibling has the disease. Small samples of tissue or amniotic fluid may be removed for testing. The samples are taken by one of the following:
In the United States, all newborn children are screened for CAH. The test involves a heelstick to draw some blood. The blood will be examined for hormone levels.
To diagnose CAH in older children or in those that were not screened as newborns, you will be asked 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. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
If the tests are not clear, genetic tests may be ordered. This is done with blood tests.
Treatment
Treatment
You and your child may be referred to a specialist. Talk with their doctor about the best treatment plan. With treatment, your child can have a normal life. Treatment options include:
Prenatal Treatment
If CAH is found before birth, medication may be used to lower the level of androgens. It may allow normal development of female genitalia. It does not stop CAH from developing.
The medication may be taken as a pill or given as a liquid by the mother.
Dietary Changes
Missing aldosterone can cause a condition called salt wasting. This is a problem maintaining the correct amount of salt in the blood. It can lead to low blood pressure and a high potassium level in the blood. If you have salt wasting, you may need to add table salt to your diet.
Medications
Most children born with CAH need to take hormone replacement medications. These steroid medications will replace the missing hormones. The exact types of steroid will depend on your child’s condition. The medication will also help slow the production of androgens. This will reduce the development of male features in girls.
Certain doses of these medications can have side effects like slowing growth or lowering bone mass. Hormone replacement can also lead obesity and to a condition called Cushings syndrome. Your child will be monitored. Medications will be adjusted as needed.
Cortisol is needed during stressful situations and illness. If you are taking medication to replace cortisol, you may need extra doses during stressful events. This can include surgeries or illnesses. Your doctor will make a medication plan with you.
Depending on the type of CAH, medication may need to be taken for the rest of your child’s life.
Wear a medical alert bracelet that states adrenal insufficiency. This will let others know of your condition if you are unable to communicate.
Surgery
Surgery can correct unusually formed genitalia. It is often done when the child is between 1-3 years of age.
Prevention
Prevention
CAH is an inherited disorder. There are no preventive measures.
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.
RESOURCES
Congenital Adrenal Research Education and Support Foundation http://www.caresfoundation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Save Babies Through Screening Foundation of Canada http://www.savebabies.org
References:
Carlson AD, Obeid JS, Kanellopoulou N, Wilson RC, New MI. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Update on prenatal diagnosis and treatment. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1999;69(1-6):19-29.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated June 26, 2012. Accessed June 4, 2014.
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, et al. Prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Europ J Endo. 2004;151:63-69.
Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Dolezel D, Baker SW, et al. Cognitive and motor development of children with and without congenital adrenal hyperplasia after early prenatal dexamethasone. J Clin Endo Meta. 2004;89(2):610-614.
New MI, Carlson A, 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(1):2-11.
4/15/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Muthusamy K, Elamin MB, Smushkin G, et al. Clinical review: Adult height in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A systematic review and metaanalysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(9):4161-4172.
Last Updated: 6/4/2014