The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) provides the following list of features that have been reported in people with this condition. Much of the information in the HPO comes from Orphanet, a European rare disease database. If available, the list includes a rough estimate of how common a feature is (its frequency). Frequencies are based on a specific study and may not be representative of all studies. You can use the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary for definitions of the terms below.
| Signs and Symptoms | Approximate number of patients (when available) |
| Abnormality of the thorax | - |
| Adrenal hyperplasia | - |
| Adrenogenital syndrome | - |
| Autosomal recessive inheritance | - |
| Fever | - |
| Growth abnormality | - |
| Gynecomastia | - |
| Hypertension | - |
| Hypoglycemia | - |
| Hypospadias | - |
| Renal salt wasting | - |
A close look at the hormone levels in patients with this form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency reveals an increased level of testosterone and rennin, and reduced levels of cortisol and aldosterone. Levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone is over 5,000 nmol/L.[1]
A close look at hormone levels in patients with simple virilizing 21-hydroxylase deficiency reveal an increased level of testosterone, reduced level of cortisol, normal or increased level of renin, and normal levels of aldosterone. Levels of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone are 2500 to 5000 nmol/L.[1]
People with nonclassical or late-onset 21-hydroxylase-deficient congenital adrenal hyperplasia have 20% to 50% of 21-Hydroxylase activity. They may present in childhood or adulthood with early pubic hair growth or with symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. In females symptoms may include excessive hair growth, absent periods, infertility, androgenic alopecia, masculinized genitalia, and acne.[1] Height is likely to be normal.
A close look at the hormone levels in patients with the nonclassical type reveal a variably increased level of testosterone and normal levels of aldosterone, renin, and cortisol. Levels of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone are 500 to 2500 nmol/L.[1]
Follow-up of adult patients should involve multidisciplinary clinics. Problems in adult women include fertility concerns, excessive hair growth, and menstrual irregularity; obesity and impact of short stature; sexual dysfunction and psychological problems. Counseling may be helpful. Adult males may develop enlargement of the testes and if so, should work with an endocrinologist familiar with the management of patients with this deficiency.[1]
Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.
Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.
Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.
These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.
International Adrenal Cortex Conference “Adrenal 2010”
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 -
Friday, June 18, 2010
Location:
San Diego,
California
Description: This conference provided a forum for both new and established investigators to present their most recent work, highlighting new findings relevant to adrenal physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics, and medicine. It was anticipated that these discoveries would provide a framework for further understanding of the function of the adrenal gland and its contributions to health and disease.
Contact: Maria L. Dufau, M.D., Ph.D., dufaum@mail.nih.gov dufaum@mail.nih.gov
Co-funding Institute(s): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Office of Rare Diseases Research
The following diseases are related to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. If you have a question about any of these diseases, you can contact GARD.
Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question
My 1-month-old grandson was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, after an abnormal newborn screening result. We were told his condition is due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and possibly also 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Do you have information on this condition that I could share with my family? See answer
