Anthropometric and Pubertal Outcomes in Girls With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the anthropometric and pubertal outcomes, over a spectrum of treatment regimens and compliance. Methods: We reviewed records of the patients with classical CAH seen at the endocrinology clinic of a tertiary care center between 1995 and 2016. Results: 25 females were included in the study, the majority (80%) with simple virilizing variant. All patients had genital ambiguity since birth, yet 40% (10/25) presented much later with menstrual complaints. All patients received hydrocortisone, but some switched to dexamethasone (n=7) or prednisolone (n=4). 7/9 (77.9%) girls who achieved target height, were on hydrocortisone. Menarche occurred with corticosteroid treatment in 60% (15/25) patients at a median (IQR) age of 16 (12-22) years. Conclusion: Hydrocortisone seems to have a beneficial effect on linear growth. Once target height is achieved, dexamethasone may be considered as an alternative.