Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Publication Date: September 27, 2018
Last Updated: July 25, 2023

Recommendations

Newborn screening

Cost-effectiveness

We recommend that all newborn screening programs incorporate screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. (1-M)
699
We recommend that first-tier screens use 17-hydroxyprogesterone assays standardized to a common technology with norms stratified by gestational age. (1-M)
Technical remark: Clinicians should be aware that immunoassays are still in use and remain a source of false-positive results. Specificity may be improved with organic extraction to remove cross-reacting substances.
699
We recommend that screening laboratories employ a second-tier screen by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in preference to all other methods (e.g., genotyping) to improve the positive predictive value of congenital adrenal hyperplasia screening. (1-L)
Technical remark: Laboratories utilizing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry should participate in an appropriate quality assurance program. Additionally, clinicians should realize that immunoassays lead to more false-positive results. Thus, if laboratory resources do not include liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, a cosyntropin stimulation test should be performed to confirm diagnosis prior to initiation of corticosteroid treatment.
699

Overview

Title

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Authoring Organization

Endocrine Society