Management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Urinary steroid estimations--review of their value.

A retrospective study was made of 16 children with 21-hydroxylase-deficient congenital adrenal hyperplasia of the salt-losing variety, who were treated with fludrocortisone and prednisone and were in good health during the period under review. The height velocity of the children was subnormal, height achievement was poor, and their bone ages retarded. Urinary 17-oxosteroid and pregnanetriol excretion were used to monitor the therapy of the children and these data have been related to growth velocities. In spite of urinary steroid figures in excess of those published as desirable for monitoring therapy, the children failed to grow properly, probably as a result of glucocorticoid overdosage. Published urinary steroid criteria are considered too strict and in order to achieve them one would need to give unnecessarily high doses of steroid. Regular measurement of height velocity and skeletal maturation rate are better indicators of therapeutic control and should lead to more satisfactory growth and ultimate height.