Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a potential diagnosis for the neonate in shock

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (C.A.H.) is an autosomal recessive disorder which is often life threatening during the neonatal period prior to establishment of the diagnosis and instigation of appropriate treatment. In females the condition is usually detected at birth due to genital ambiguity. Unfortunately males or extremely virilized females often remain undetected until they suffer a potentially fatal adrenal crisis. Typically, a crisis occurs within the first couple of weeks of life and is preceded by a history of failure to thrive, lethargy and vomiting which may be misdiagnosed as resulting from pyloric stenosis. Vascular collapse and diminished consciousness ensue if adrenal insufficiency remains undetected. Initial biochemical investigation of the shocked neonate with C.A.H. reveals severe hyperkalaemia and hyponatraemia, which initially may be thought to be due to renal failure. Hypoglycaemia may also be a feature. Initial resuscitation requires intravenous saline and hydrocortisone. Once physiologically stable, oral steroids are used to replace absent glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The psychosocial impact of having a critically ill baby, with a relatively uncommon genetic disorder, who requires lifelong treatment can be overwhelming for parents. There is an ongoing risk of adrenal crisis throughout the child's life during periods of physiological stress. Parents require education on the management of medication during normal childhood illnesses; the early indicators of crisis and instruction in injection technique. In addition to skilled technical nursing interventions for their baby, parents can benefit from accurate information and contact with the C.A.H. support group.