Prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia: report of a new case.
A mother at risk for 21-hydroxylase deficiency was treated with oral dexamethasone (0.5 mg 12 hourly) from early pregnancy, in an attempt to prevent in utero virilization in case of a female fetus. Fetal karyotype was 46,XX, and because of a possible intra HLA recombination, treatment was continued to term. The newborn had a modest virilization and hormonal studies confirmed the diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This observation and review of the literature suggest that efficient prenatal treatment of CAH requires a higher and more frequent dosage of dexamethasone.
Service de Génétique et Maladies Héréditaires du Métabolisme de l'Enfant, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Lille, France.
G A
GA
Loeuille
M
M
David
M G
MG
Forest
D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010375:Pedigree; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011295:Prenatal Care; D014770:Virilism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D003907:Dexamethasone