ESPE Abstracts

Context: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare genetic defect. Its prevalence is estimated at one case per 3,000 births in Algeria and one case per 15,000 births worldwide. The most common form is due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency associated with mutations in the 21-hydroxylase gene, which is located at chromosome 6p21. Molecular defects of CYP21A2 systematically decrease the activity of this enzyme and result in expression of varying severity and phen...

Introduction: 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is the most common cause of female virilisation at birth and carries heavy psychosocial consequences. Early antenatal treatment with dexamethasone is successful in avoiding severe virilisation, thus reducing the need for surgery and improving psychological outcome.Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of antenatal treatment in 21-OHD in a resource-limit...

Background: Prenatal dexamethasone treatment (Pdex) has been used since the 1980s to prevent virilization in female offspring suspected to have congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). However, due to lack of strong evidence for its best practice as well as limited data regarding long term adverse effects, use of dex is highly controversial. This study reveals the current medical practice regarding Pdex in female fetuses at risk of CAH due to 21 hydroxylase defic...