Growth in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Abstract

Summary Growth curves of 28 patients with the congenital type of the adrenogenital syndrome were as far as available data allowed reconstructed and analysed. Patients who had been adequately treated from an early age tended to grow a t a normal rate and it seems possible that they have a relatively good chance to reach their genetically predetermined stature or a t least an adult height within normal limits. Patients who came to treatment after the age of 5‐6 years demonstrated another type of growth curve similar to that observed in children with untreated adrenogenital syndrome i.e. an initially rapid linear growth of short duration. It was found that some of the patients who did not receive any therapy, came late to treatment or were inadequately treated in spite of this reached an adult height within normal limits. A few patients reacted to treatment in an unexpected way and are discussed in some detail. A difference in linear growth between salt‐losers and patients with a normal electrolyte regulating mechanism could not be demonstrated. It is suggested that variations in adult height and exceptional reactions to treatment may be due not only to hereditary factors but possibly also to differences in the degree and/or type of the enzymatic defect. Significant differences in birth weight and birth length between patients with the adrenogenital syndrome and normal new‐born infants could not be demonstrated.