Mortality in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH) in Germany

Background Adrenal crises in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (CAH) are life-threatening and have the potential to death. Methods A survey was performed among Paediatric Endocrinologists in Germany to report on deceased children with CAH. Our survey covered the whole of Germany. Results The participating centres reported 14 cases of death (9 female, 5 male) from 1973 until 2004, but no deaths thereafter. 11 children had the SW form and 3 the simple virilizing (SV) form. All patients were on glucocorticoid replacement, and the SW forms additionally on mineralocorticoid replacement. The age at death varied between 6 weeks and 16.5 years. Seven children died before introduction of general neonatal screening, and 7 children thereafter. Before death, the clinical signs of impending crisis were nonspecific. Five patients developed hypoglycaemia and convulsions with cerebral oedema. Half of the deceased patients died at home. The hydrocortisone dosage was only doubled in two of the 14 cases. Conclusions According to the assessments by the attending centres, almost all deaths could be related to an inadequate administration of stress doses of hydrocortisone. Since no deceased CAH children were reported in Germany from 2005 on, we assume the effectiveness of educational programs over the past years.