Introduction:

congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) involves a set of hereditary diseases that include alterations in the cortisol cycle, at enzymatic level. The classic variant has an incidence of 1:14,000 to 1:18,000 births, while the non-classic one occurs in 1:2,000 newborns. As a result of the enzyme involved, the clinical manifestations change from asymptomatic to alterations in the internal environment that compromise life, so clinical suspicion must be high in order to diagnose it in a timely manner. The diagnosis is more frequently made by neonatal screening than by physical examination, and it is a more sensitive method, especially in males, since there are no changes at the level of external genitalia. The implementation of screening has reduced the time prior to diagnosis. In Uruguay, since 2007, a universal screening has been carried out measuring 17-OH progesterone, which is increased in the most frequent form of CAH. Treatment is lifelong, consisting of oral glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone). We recommend prenatal diagnosis by searching for mutations in the CYP21A2 gene through chorionic villus puncture or amniocentesis, or fetal DNA in maternal blood in cases of CAH if both parents are carriers of the severe mutation and have a history of a previous classic case. Prenatal treatment with dexamethasone is considered in the experimental stage, in female fetuses at risk of the standard disease, which is maintained until birth if confirmed. We present a clinical case of an 11-day-old newborn with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia and virilization of the external genitalia, diagnosed by neonatal screening. We report her management and interdisciplinary evolution.

Conclusion:

adrenal hyperplasia is a potentially serious inherited disease. Neonatal screening is an effective tool for detecting this disease. Multidisciplinary management is key to monitoring and optimizing treatment.

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