What is the best approach to the teenage patient presenting with nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: should we always treat with glucocorticoids?

Abstract

Patients with Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to partial deficiency in the enzyme 21-hydroxylase can present in childhood or adolescence with signs of adrenal androgen excess. Strategies to reduce the impact of androgen excess in females include cosmetic measures as well as antiandrogens and agents such as the combined oral contraceptive pill. Glucocorticoid may not be appropriate straightaway but can be introduced if other measures are ineffective or when pregnancy is planned.

• Authors: Deborah Matthews, Tim Cheetham
• Journal: Clinical endocrinology (Clin Endocrinol (Oxf)) Vol. 78 Issue 3 Pg. 338-41 (Mar 2013) ISSN: 1365-2265 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23039910 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Steroid 21-Hydroxylase

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital (diagnosis, drug therapy, enzymology)
• Child
• Female
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Steroid 21-Hydroxylase (genetics, metabolism)