Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
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.
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.
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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 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
- 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
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Severe acne
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bluish skin color
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 US, 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.
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:
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.
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 your child has salt wasting, they may need to add table salt to their diet.
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
. Your child will be monitored. Medications will be adjusted as needed.
Cortisol is needed during stressful situations and illness. If your child is taking medication to replace cortisol, they may need extra doses during stressful events. This can include surgeries or illnesses. Your child's 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 child's condition if they are unable to communicate.
Surgery can correct unusually formed genitalia. It is often done when the child is between 1-3 years of age.
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.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Education and Support Network
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
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