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Prevalence of nephrocalcinosis in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Yahya Madihi1, Neda Mostofizadeh2, Hossein Shamsipour Dehkordi3
1Metabolic Liver Disease Research Center, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Imam Hossien Children's Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
Nephrocalcinosis (NC) affects 3.3% of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This kidney complication appears more common in males and may be linked to earlier diagnosis and genetic factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Genetics
Background:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of genetic disorders affecting hormone production.
- Nephrocalcinosis (NC) is a condition characterized by calcium deposits in the kidneys.
- Understanding the co-occurrence of CAH and NC is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of nephrocalcinosis (NC) in children diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
- To identify potential risk factors and associations between NC and CAH in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 120 children under 18 with diagnosed CAH.
- Patient data extracted from medical records.
- Renal ultrasonography performed to detect NC.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of NC was found to be 3.3% among children with CAH.
- NC was more prevalent in males (P=0.05).
- Patients with NC tended to have a younger mean age and earlier age of CAH diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- A 3.3% prevalence of NC was observed in pediatric CAH patients.
- NC showed a trend towards higher prevalence in males.
- Early diagnosis and potential genetic factors may influence NC development in CAH patients, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
Background:
We aimed to investigate the prevalence of nephrocalcinosis (NC) among children with diagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Our findings would be helpful for earlier diagnosis, management, and prevention of NC-related complications.
Materials And Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, children with CAH, aged <18 years old who were regularly referred for follow-up, were included. The information of the patients was extracted from their medical files, and they underwent renal ultrasonography for evaluation of the presence of NC.
Results:
From 120 studied patients with CAH, four patients (3.3%) had NC. The prevalence of NC was higher in males than females (P = 0.05). Mean age and age of CAH diagnosis had a trend to be lower in CAH patients with NC than those without. Regression analysis indicated significant association between NC and sex (P = 0.027, r = 2.24).
Conclusion:
The results of this study indicated a 3.3% prevalence rate of NC for children with CAH. NC had a trend to be more prevalent in male children with CAH. Though it was not significantly different but given that the mean age and age at diagnosis of CAH in children with CAH and NC was lower that CAH patients without NC, it is suggested that in patients with CAH and NC other factors such as genetic background or unknown disease related factors are associated with hypercalcemia and NC.
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