Prevalence of salt-losing among congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients.

Among clinic patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) the observed frequency of salt-losing has increased significantly over the past 30 years. Comparing estimates from various clinics, older estimates of the frequency of salt-losing are lower than estimates cited in more recent literature. Within the patient population of a single long-established clinic, an increase in the frequency of salt-losing can also be observed. It is likely that the increase in the frequency of salt-losing CAH reflects improved case finding and survival of salt-losing patients. Based on reports of recent populations of CAH patients, the frequency of salt-losing among CAH patients is approximately 66%.