Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LOCAH) in a group of hyperandrogenic women presenting with menstrual disturbances and/or infertility. Thirty-five women were evaluated by basal hormonal profiles and underwent ACTH stimulation testing. In this study, 17.1% of women showed evidence of partial 21-OH deficiency (21-OHD), and 5.7% 3β-HSD deficiency. Neither basal hormonal levels nor clinical characteristics distinguished women with LOCAH from other hyperandrogenic women. And although the mean basal 17-OH progesterone (17-OHP) level in women with 21-OHD (152 ± 66 ng/dl) was significantly higher than levels in other hirsute women, 4 of 6 (67%) women with 21-OHD had normal 17-OHP levels. Thus, to identify all affected individuals with partial 21-OHD, our data suggest that hyperandrogenic women with basal unsuppressed 17-OHP levels >100 ng/dl should undergo dynamic testing. With regard to partial 3β-HSD deficiency, basal DHEA-S levels greater than the 95th percentile of other hirsute women may be used to screen for this deficiency. In conclusion, LOCAH due to partial steroid enzyme deficiencies are a frequent occurrence in women who present with symptoms of hyperandrogenism and ACTH stimulation remains an important tool in making make the diagnosis of enzyme deficiencies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 165-171 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics |
Volume | 249 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 1991 |
Keywords
- Adrenal
- Hyperandrogenism
- Hyperplasia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology