ECE2024 Eposter Presentations Adrenal and Cardiovascular Endocrinology (155 abstracts)
1Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology; 2Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics; 3Tahar Sfar University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology
Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder affecting adrenal steroid synthesis. Its treatment aims to achieve a balance between optimal glucocorticoid replacement and normal androgen levels. The long-term outcomes of this condition are poorly studied. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency on final height (FH), bone metabolism, and cardiometabolic risk in a Tunisian cohort.
Methods: A retrospective and descriptive bicentric study was conducted on patients with CAH followed at the endocrinology department of Hedi Chaker University Hospital in Sfax and the endocrinology department of Tahar Sfar University Hospital in Mahdia.
Results: Twenty-six patients (11 men and 15 women; mean age: 27.4 ± 8.2 years) were recruited. The mean FH was 159.5 ± 9.7 cm. Twenty-one patients (80.7%) had an FH below the target height. Ten patients (38.4%) had bone demineralization. Eight patients (30.7%) were obese. Lipid profile abnormalities and glucose metabolism disorders were detected in 10 (38.4%) and 5 (19.2%) patients, respectively. Seven patients (27%) had carbohydrate intolerance. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring revealed abnormalities in 6 patients (23%). An increase in carotid intima-media thickness was observed in 14 patients (53.8%).
Conclusion: Patients with CAH are at risk of cardiometabolic and bone complications. The latter is attributed in various studies to iatrogenic hypercorticism. Regular follow-up, optimization of treatment, early lifestyle interventions, and evaluation of bone mineralization are necessary.