Determining the Long-Term Effects of Prenatal Dexamethasone Treatment in Children With 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency and Their Mothers

Overview

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder that affects the amount of steroids that the body forms. The most common form of CAH is 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), which leads to cortisol deficiency and causes the development of mature masculine characteristics in newborn, prepubescent, and grown females, and prepubescent males. Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, has been shown to reduce the masculinization of genitalia. However, the long-term effects of dexamethasone on the children who received it as fetuses and on mothers who were exposed to it while they were pregnant have not been determined. This study will investigate potential long-term adverse side effects of prenatal dexamethasone treatment in children and young adults who received dexamethasone as fetuses and their mothers who were exposed to it during pregnancy.

CAH is a genetic steroidogenesis disorder. The most common form, 21OHD, leads to cortisol deficiency and, in turn, an excess of androgen, a hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. As a result of this androgen excess, prepubescent males and newborn, prepubescent, and grown females exhibit mature masculine characteristics. Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that decreases androgen levels, has been shown to prevent the development of abnormal genitalia in female infants. The long-term effects of this treatment, however, have not been evaluated. This study will determine whether prenatal dexamethasone treatment causes any long-term side effects by examining children and young adults who received dexamethasone as fetuses and their mothers, who were exposed to dexamethasone while pregnant. This study has three parts. In Part 1 of the study, participants will provide written consent for release of their medical records from their physicians. Participants' physicians will then complete a medical form and/or provide copies of selected medical records for each participant. Parts 2 and 3 can be completed in 1 day. In Part 2 of the study, participants will complete questionnaires in their homes. Participants will answer questions about the following experiences: medical procedures, such as hormone treatment and genital surgery; education; work; hobbies; play activities and chores during childhood; identification with the male or female gender; relationships with parents; interest in being a parent; and overall adjustment. Part 3 of the study will consist of neuropsychological testing at the study site. This testing will focus on memory, attention, and overall cognitive abilities.