Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Treatment & Care

Treatment consists of a daily dosage of hydrocortisone. The medication is usually divided into two to three dosages per day. Although prednisone or dexamethasone can also be used if the patient is non-compliant with frequent dosing, this is not as effective. When periods of physiological stress, such as severe illness or surgery occur, the dosage may be increased temporarily. Minor illnesses with Non-Classical CAH usually don’t require any adjustment in medication.
In addition, when the mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) hormones are also insufficient, daily medication specific for replacing aldosterone is required to alleviate symptoms, and decrease mortality.
Genital surgery is available for females who have enlarged external genitalia.
With carefully monitored replacement medications, CAH no longer has to be associated with a high death rate, or related severe illnesses. Enhanced quality of life in patients that are affected by CAH is now available when the signs and symptoms are reported early, and medications started immediately. Support groups exist nation-wide to help patients who have this disease deal with the ramifications.