Health Problems in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Following the introduction of life-saving glucocorticoid replacement 60 years ago, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has evolved from being perceived as a paediatric disorder to being recognized as a lifelong, chronic condition affecting patients of all age groups. Increasing evidence suggests that patients with CAH have an increased risk to develop health problems during adult life, with signs and symptoms of forerunner conditions of adult disease already emerging during the time of paediatric care. Transition of paediatric CAH patients to medical care in the adult setting is an important step to ensure optimal lifelong treatment, aiming to achieve good health and normal life expectancy and quality of life. Thus, primary and secondary prevention of health problems has to become a task of increasing importance for those involved in the care of CAH patients throughout their life. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel Received: December 8, 2010 Accepted after revision: March 25, 2011 Published online: May 18, 2011 HORMONE