Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency--the adult woman.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a disease with a varying phenotype depending on the mutation(s) present and the severity of the disease. All children with CAH need to be continuously cared for from birth or early infancy by specialists in paediatric endocrinology and surgery. Complications due to over- or under-treatment with corticosteroids are often seen during adolescence, and these problems often continue into adulthood. For the young woman with CAH, questions about menstruation, sexuality, fertility and the possible necessity of complementary surgery are always important issues that need to be discussed. To meet the needs of the young woman with CAH, it is important that the transition from paediatric to adult care be a process of parallel consultations over several years, always involving an experienced gynaecologic endocrinologist.
Hagenfeldt
Kerstin B
KB
Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Hospital, S 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. kerstin.hagenfeldt@telia.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D011788:Quality of Life; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D019529:Sexuality; D013255:Steroid 21-Hydroxylase / Q000378:metabolism*
D013255:Steroid 21-Hydroxylase