Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Babies, children or adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia could experience a life-threatening "adrenal crisis," due to inadequate production of cortisol from the adrenal glands. An adrenal crisis can result in a seriously low level of sodium in the blood, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, low blood sugar levels and shock. People experiencing an adrenal crisis need immediate treatment.

Adrenal crisis does not occur in adults with the nonclassic form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Long-term complications of congenital adrenal hyperplasia may include:

  • Ongoing risk of adrenal crisis
  • Infertility
  • Sexual problems, such as pain during intercourse and embarrassment about genitals
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Parks JS, et al. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia and related disorders. In: Kliegman RM. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  2. Stewart PM. The adrenal cortex. In: Kronenberg HM, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191205553-3/0/1555/0.html#.. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  3. Farrrell TW. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..C2009-0-38600-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&about=true&uniqId=230100505-53. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  4. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec19/ch282/ch282e.html. Accessed Jan. 13, 2011.
  5. Nordenskjöld A, et al. Type of mutation and surgical procedure affect long-term quality of life for women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2008;93:380.
  6. Frisen L, et al. Gender role behavior, sexuality, and psychosocial adaptation in women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to CYP21A2 deficiency. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2009;94:3432.
  7. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 18, 2011.
DS00915 March 4, 2011

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