A review of the effects of therapy on growth and bone mineralization in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
The medical management of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) can be challenging with regard to optimizing final height. Insufficient glucocorticoid suppression of adrenal hormone production will result in acceleration of bone maturation and premature epiphyseal fusion, while appropriate or excessive glucocorticoid therapy can be accompanied by suppression of the growth axis. The extent of the growth suppression appears to be affected by the type and dose of glucocorticoid. Some studies suggest that such growth suppression can be ameliorated through concomitant use of growth hormone (GH) therapy. Available data published over the last 10 years on height outcomes in CAH patients treated with glucocorticoids will be reviewed.
Gallagher
Mary Pat
MP
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, PH 5 East, Room 519, New York, NY 10032, USA. mpg15@columbia.edu
Levine
Lenore S
LS
Oberfield
Sharon E
SE
D000312:Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015519:Bone Density; D001846:Bone Development; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
D005938:Glucocorticoids