Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (=CAH)

There are several enzymes in the adrenal gland cortex that can be defective from a metabolic deficiency that a person is born with. One of the more common ones is called "21-hydroxylase deficiency". It is the cause of about 90% of all the CAH and occurs about once every 12,000 live births. With this metabolic defect in the adrenal gland blood levels show low cortisol and aldosterone hormone, but a high level of progesterone, DHEA and androstenedione.

The end result is a male appearance of the female child born with this enzyme defect.

The DHEA and androstenedione have testosterone like effects.

When the fetus develops and leads to a phallus-like structure in the area of the clitoris, but it is smaller than a penis.There is an opening at the base of this phallus, which is the original fetal urogenital sinus. Often there are various degrees of missing fusion of the labioscrotal folds. Because of the lack of aldosterone there is loss of salt with an associated high potassium level in the blood. Plasma renin levels are high as well due to the low sodium level. ACTH levels are high because of the missing feedback from the absent cortisol. All of these facts are utilized for diagnostic testing.

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Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. B. Sears: "The age-free zone". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 2000.

2. R.A. Vogel: Clin Cardiol 20(1997): 426-432.

3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 8: Thyroid disorders.

4. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 7:Pituitary disorders.

5. J Levron et al.: Fertil Steril 2000 Nov;74(5):925-929.

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7. ME Flett et al.: Br J Surg 1999 Oct;86(10):1280-1283.

8. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 261: Congenital anomalies.

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10. JA Tash et al. : Urology 2000 Oct 1;56(4):669.

11. D Prandstraller et al.: Pediatr Cardiol 1999 Mar-Apr;20(2):108-112.

12. B. Sears: "Zone perfect meals in minutes". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 1997.

13. J Bain: Can Fam Physician 2001 Jan;47:91-97.

Last Modified: Dec. 17, 2006