Continuous Subcutaneous Hydrocortisone Infusion in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

The conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) renders the cortisol levels unphysiological, which may cause symptoms and long-term complications. Glucocorticoid replacement is technically feasible by continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI), and can mimic the normal diurnal cortisol rhythm. This method was recently applied to treat a patient through a critical phase of puberty. This is a clinical trial aiming to evaluate CSHI treatment in patients with CAH. The main objective is to determine the effects of CSHI on metabolic parameters (androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone profiles, and testosterone,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), cortisol, and bone markers), and to determine the required glucocorticoid doses. Secondary objectives are to determine effects on clinical status, body weight, blood pressure and other metabolic parameters, as well as on subjective health status (AddiQoL, SF36).