21-hydroxylase deficiency (patient information)

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What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency refers to a group of inherited disorders of the adrenal gland. Mutations in the CYP21A2 gene cause this disorder. CYP21A2 gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called steroid 21-hydroxylase, which enables the adrenal glands to convert cholesterol into other steroid hormones. Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the adrenal glands typically don't produce enough of the hormone cortisol. Deficiency of 21-hydroxylase can interfere with normal growth and development in children and adults. Usual signs and symptoms include girls' external appearance change, boys may have 2~3 years early virilizing characteristics than the normal, even adrenal crisis in the newborn. Serum and urinary hormone level can help the diagnosis. Steroid therapy and surgery to correct the appearance and function of the genitals are the main treatments. Many patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency can lead normal lives with proper treatment. Infants with untreated adrenal crisis may die within several weeks after birth.

How do I know if I have congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and what are the symptoms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency?

Signs and symptoms in infants: In this form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, newborns develop severe symptoms shortly after birth due to loss of salt.

Signs and symptoms of adrenal hyperplasia in children and adults: Girls will usually have normal internal female reproductive organs as normal girls. But some of their external appearance may change. Boys won't have any obvious problems at birth. However, they may have 2~3 years early virilizing characteristics than normal boys.

Irregular or absent menstruation in girls
Ambiguous genitalia or virilizing characteristics in girls, often appearing more male than female: Deep voice, early appearance of pubic and armpit hair, excessive hair growth and facial hair
Early appearance of masculine characteristics in boys: Deep voice, early appearance of pubic and armpit hair, enlarged penis, small testes, well-developed muscles
Rapid growth during childhood, but shorter than average final height
Infertility
Low bone density

Who is at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency?

Mutations in the CYP21A2 gene cause congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

How to know you have congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency?

Blood or urine levels of hormones or their metabolites: In patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, doctors may see abnormal serum electrolytes and urine electrolytes, high levels of 17-OH progesterone, high levels of serum DHEA sulfate, high levels of urinary 17-ketosteroids, low levels of aldosterone and cortisol, normal or low urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids.
X-ray for bone age: This can be done in the department of radiation. It shows older bones than normal for the person's age.
Gene detection: This may be the most accurate test for the diagnosis. In patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, mutations of CYP21A2 gene can be detected.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Contact your doctor if your child has signs and symptoms that seem to suggest congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. For the women who may carry the mutate gene, you need to talk with your doctor, obtain appropriate information about the condition and the risk of having an affected child, and to decide on whether to have children.

Treatment options

The goal of treatment is to return hormone levels to normal. The treatments include steroid therapy and surgery. Talk to you or your kid's doctor about side effects and your family's preferences.

Determination the gender of a baby: When the baby with ambiguous genitalia born, the health care provider will determine the gender by checking the chromosomes.
Steroid therapy: Patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency nedd to add a form of cortisol, such as dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone every day. During times of stress, such as severe illness or surgery, they may need additional doses of medicine.
Surgery: For female infants with virilizing characteristics, doctors recommend reconstructive surgery to correct the appearance and function of the genitals between 2 and 6 months of age.

Diseases with similar symptoms

Androgen insensitivity syndrome
11-β hydroxylase deficiency
17-α hydroxylase deficiency

Where to find medical care for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency?

Directions to Hospitals Treating congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Prevention of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Doctors often recommend genetic counseling for parents who have congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Early diagnosis during pregnant peroid can minimize or even eliminate symptoms after birth.

What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?

Prognosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency are usually good. But when adrenal crisis happens and is untreated, the patient may die within 1~6 weeks after birth.