Alternate Names : Adrenogenital syndrome, 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Definition
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia refers to a group of inherited disorders of the adrenal gland.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia can affect both boys and girls. People with congenital adrenal hyperplasia lack an enzyme needed by the adrenal gland to make the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
Without these hormones, the body produces more androgen, a type of male sex hormone. This causes male characteristics to appear early (or inappropriately).
About 1 in 10,000 to 18,000 children are born with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Pictures & Images
Aldosterone level test
Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. It is part of the complex mechanism used by the body to regulate blood pressure. Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the distal tubules of the kidneys. The reabsorption of sodium is accompanied by the reabsorption of water, which raises blood pressure.
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia : Treatment
Review Date : 1/21/2010
Reviewed By : Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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