Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

BACKGROUND: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by impaired steroidogenesis. Glucocorticoid treatment with increased androgens may lead to cardiovascular and metabolic effects in these patients. In this study, we investigated the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and androgen levels in children and adolescents with CAH due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 78 patients (37 boys and 41 girls) with CAH aged 3–17 years. Anthropometric, body mass index (BMI), systolic (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured. Fasting blood glucose with plasma insulin and lipids were measured, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated using the homeostasis assessment model. Furthermore, testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) were investigated. RESULTS: The mean SBP and DBP were 112.01 ± 19.13 and 69.77 ± 7.56, respectively. The mean of HOMA-IR in patients was 2.25 ± 1.46. The frequency of patients with overweight and High HOMA index were, respectively, 33.3% and 29.3%. The correlation analysis between clinical characteristics and androgen serum levels showed that DBP and BMI had a significant positive correlation with 17OHP. The median regression analysis showed, only DBP in the adjusted model had a significant positive effect with 17OHP level (P < 0.05), and no significant relationship was observed for other characteristics. CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between BMI and DBP with serum concentrations of 17-OHP, suggesting that elevated 17-OHP can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders in children and adolescents with CAH.