Prenatal diagnosis and in utero treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia: An up-to-date comprehensive review

Prenat Diagn. 2024 May;44(5):635-643. doi: 10.1002/pd.6542. Epub 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a term that encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect the adrenals. Diagnosis and treatment before birth are important as irreparable birth defects can be avoided, decreasing the need for surgical intervention later in life, especially regarding genitalia anomalies. Although early implementation of dexamethasone in the prenatal treatment of CAH has been controversial, there is recent evidence that this treatment can reduce long-term complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital* / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital* / therapy
  • Dexamethasone* / administration & dosage
  • Dexamethasone* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fetal Therapies / methods
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis* / methods

Substances

  • Dexamethasone
  • Glucocorticoids