This study was developed to determine if a combination of four drugs (flutamide, testolactone, reduced hydrocortisone dose, and fludrocortisone) can normalize growth in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The study will take 60 children, boys and girls, and divide them into 2 groups based on the medications given. Group one will receive the new four-drug combination. Group two will receive the standard treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone). The boys in group one will take the medication until the age of 14 at which time they will stop taking the four-drug combination and begin receiving the standard treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Girls in group one will take the four-drug combination until the age of 13, at which time they will stop and begin receiving the standard treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia plus flutamide. Flutamide will be given to the girls until two years after their first menstrual period or until adult height. All of the children will be followed until they reach their final adult height. The effectiveness of the treatment will be determined by measuring the patient's adult height.
To test the hypothesis that the regimen of flutamide (an antiandrogen), testolactone or letrozole (an inhibitor of androgen-to-estrogen conversion), and reduced hydrocortisone dose can normalize the growth and adult stature of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and can avoid the complications of supraphysiologic glucocorticoid dosage, 60 children with this disorder will be randomized to receive either the above regimen or conventional treatment until they have reached age 13 years in a girl or age 14 in a boy. After these ages boys will receive the conventional treatment and girls will receive conventional treatment plus flutamide. In girls, flutamide will be continued until 6 months after menarche. All children will be followed until they have attained final adult height. The principal outcome measure will be adult height.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
66
Mineralocorticoid needed to replace aldosterone deficiency. Patients will continue to receive an optimal fludrocortisone dose
Glucocorticoid needed to replace cortisol deficiency. Reduced hydrocortisone dose might normalize the growth and adult stature of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Aromatase inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens by a process called aromatization.
Non steroidal anti-androgen that prevents the action of androgens by blocking receptor sites in target tissue. It may also produce changes in testosterone and estradiol
Aromatase inhibitors work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens by a process called aromatization.
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States
Adult Height Relative to General Population
Adult height expressed in standard deviation score (SDS) units relative to the general population, with attainment of adult height defined as incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months. Adult height SDS was based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics) data at 20 years old.
Time frame: Followed to attainment of adult height, average of 11 years from date of randomization
Adult Height Relative to Mid-parental Height
Adult height expressed in standard deviation score (SDS) units relative to the mid-parental height for the general population. Adult height is defined as incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months. Adult height SDS was based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics) data at 20 years old. Mid-parental height was calculated based on reported parental heights calculated as (father's height (cm) + mother's height (cm))/ 2 ± 6.5 (cm).
Time frame: Followed to attainment of adult height, average of 11 years from date of randomization
Predicted Adult Height
Predicted adult height was calculated using the bone age at the baseline visit or the first available bone age, using the Bayley-Pinneau method. Predicted adult height was calculated as the standard deviation score (SDS) units relative to the general population based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics) at 20 years old. Baseline was defined as time of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys).
Time frame: At date of randomization and at pubertal onset (average of seven years from date of randomization)
Predicted Adult Height Change
Changes in predicted adult height from baseline to pubertal onset, pubertal onset to final visit, and baseline to final visit. Adult height standard deviation score (SDS) was based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics) data at 20 years old. Predicted adult height at baseline was calculated using the bone age at the baseline visit or the first available bone age according to the Bayley-Pinneau method. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years), pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years), and date of randomization to final visit (average of 11 years)
Number of Years Bone Age Remained Unchanged
Number of prepubertal and pubertal years bone age remained unchanged. Baseline bone age was calculated using the bone age at the baseline visit or the first available bone age according to the Bayley-Pinneau method. Change in bone age from baseline to pubertal onset and pubertal onset to final visit was measured in years. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years) and pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years)
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI)
Changes in body mass index (BMI) were evaluated from baseline to puberty onset and puberty onset to final visit. BMI calculation was based on average of three early morning height measurements by stadiometer and weight measurement by scale for each timepoints. BMI was calculated as the standard deviation score (SDS) units relative to the general population based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics) at 20 years old. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was time at attainment of adult height, defined as incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years) and pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years)
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on average of three early morning height measurements by stadiometer and weight measurement by scale. BMI was calculated as the standard deviation score (SDS) units relative to the general population based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Health Statistics) at 20 years old. Measures evaluated at pubertal onset and at final visit. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Pubertal onset visit (average of seven years from date of randomization) and at final visit (average of 11 years from date of randomization)
Average Annual Growth Velocity
Average annual growth (height) velocity, measured as the change in height over time relative to the population mean and adjusted for age and sex. Measured during the study period from baseline visit to pubertal onset visit (visits occurring approximately every 6 months) and from pubertal onset to adult height. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years) and pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years)
Dose of Oral Hydrocortisone
Dose of oral hydrocortisone participant was taking adjusted for body surface area. Dose was recorded at baseline (first visit), pubertal onset, and at adult height (final visit). Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: At date of randomization, pubertal onset (average of seven years from date of randomization), and at final visit (average of 11 years from date of randomization)
Average Daily Dose of Oral Hydrocortisone
Average daily dose of oral hydrocortisone adjusted for body surface area. Dose was measured by developmental periods and for differences between sexes. Doses recorded at every visit, approximately every 6 months. Average dose measured from baseline to pubertal onset, from pubertal onset visit to adult height (final visit), and from baseline to adult height. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years), pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years), and date of randomization to final visit (average of 11 years)
Percent of Visits With 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the Optimal Range (<1,200 ng/dL)
Percentage of visits where early morning (pre-medication) 17-hydroxyprogesterone measurements fell within the optimal range (\<1,200 ng/dL) during the study period from baseline to pubertal onset and pubertal onset visit to final visit, with visits occurring approximately every 6 months. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years) and pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years)
Percent of Visits With Androstenedione in Normal Range
Percentage of visits where early morning (pre-medication) androstenedione measurements fell within the normal range based on age and sex-specific ranges during the study period. Measurements done from baseline to pubertal onset visit, and from pubertal onset visit to adult height (final visit), with visits occurring approximately every 6 months. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years) and pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years)
Average Testosterone
Average testosterone based on early morning (pre-medication) testosterone levels measured for participants approximately every six months. Average testosterone measured from baseline to pubertal onset and from pubertal onset visit to adult height (final visit) by sex. Baseline was defined as date of randomization. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: From date of randomization to pubertal onset visit (which on average was seven years) and pubertal onset to final visit (average was 4 years)
Number of Participants With Onset of Early Central Puberty
Number of participants with onset of early central puberty, defined as testicular volume ≥ 4 mL in males before age 10, and breast Tanner stage 2 in females before age 9.
Time frame: Measured from date of randomization to onset of early central puberty
Average Age at Menarche
Average age at menarche (years) in female participants only.
Time frame: Followed from date of randomization to onset of menarche
Number of Female Participants With Normal Menstrual Cyclicity at Final Visit
Number of female participants with normal menstrual cyclicity at final visit. Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Measured at single time point at final visit, average of 11 years from date of randomization
Number of Participants With Insulin Resistance Based on Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) > 2.5
Number of participants with Insulin resistance based on Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) \> 2.5 at the final visit. Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Final visit, average of 11 years from date of randomization
Average (Median) Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)
Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), a measure of insulin resistance, measured as insulin (μU/mL) × glucose (mmol/L)/22.5 at final visit. HOMA-IR value ≤ 2.5 is considered normal. HOMA-RI value \> 2.5 is considered abnormal. Higher HOMA-IR value indicates greater insulin resistance. Final visit was attainment of adult, defined as height with incremental growth \<1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Measured at single time point at final visit, average of 11 years from date of randomization
Number of Male Participants With Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors (TART)
Number of male participants with testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART), measured by scrotal ultrasound, at pubertal onset visit and final visit. Pubertal onset was defined as when patients entered puberty (Tanner 2 breast in females, testicle size ≥ 4 mL in males) or completed therapy with either aromatase inhibitor and/or GnRHa (age 13 years in girls and 14 years in boys). Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Pubertal onset visit (average of seven years from date of randomization) and at final visit (average of 11 years from date of randomization)
Anterior Posterior Spine Bone Mineral Density (BMD) at Final Visit
Anterior posterior spine bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at final visit. The instrument specific comparisons (in standard deviations) were made to the average peak bone mass of a normal population, i.e. to the average bone mass of persons of the same age and sex as the patient. Final visit is defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Final visit, average of 11 years from date of randomization
Femoral Neck Bone Mineral Density (BMD) at Final Visit
Femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at final visit. The instrument specific comparisons (in standard deviations) were made to the average peak bone mass of a normal population, i.e. to the average bone mass of persons of the same age and sex as the patient. Final visit was defined as attainment of adult height with incremental growth \< 1.5 cm over 12 months.
Time frame: Final visit, average of 11 years from date of randomization
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