Evaluation of young women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a pilot study

To evaluate the outcome of medical and surgical treatment of 10 young women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), final height, weight, body proportions and body hair growth as well as aspect and functionality of the external genitalia were assessed. The final height was below-2 SD of the target height in 55%, though the body proportions were in the normal range. Only 3 patients were menstruating regularly. Scores for 'hormonal' body hair growth were in a higher range. Gynaecological examination revealed that in 5 out of 9 patients, the genitalia were functionally acceptable. This pilot study stresses that from birth into adulthood of female patients with CAH there is a need for a combined therapeutic approach by a paediatric endocrinologist, a surgeon and a psychologist. This will improve the physical and psychosocial well-being of these patients.