17-Hydroxylase Deficiency Syndrome Medication

Updated: Mar 16, 2021
  • Author: J Paul Frindik, MD, FACE; Chief Editor: Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Exogenous glucocorticoid therapy suppresses adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion, decreases 11-DOC and corticosterone levels, and normalizes serum potassium and BP. Hydrocortisone is the drug of choice for infants and children. Longer-acting preparations (eg, prednisone, dexamethasone) are difficult to titrate and can lead to overtreatment and growth suppression.

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Exogenous Glucocorticoids

Class Summary

Exogenous glucocorticoid therapy suppresses adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion, decreases 11-deoxycorticosterone (11-DOC) and corticosterone levels, and normalizes serum K levels and blood pressure. Patients tend to respond to smaller doses of glucocorticoids than those required in other forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, possibly due to the glucocorticoid activity of endogenous corticosterone. Dosages are somewhat empirical and must be individualized based on clinical findings, growth, skeletal maturation, and hormonal data, including monitoring of 11-DOC and corticosterone levels.

Hydrocortisone (Hydrocortone, A-Hydrocort)

Hydrocortisone is the drug of choice for infants and children. Longer-acting preparations (eg, prednisone, dexamethasone) are difficult to titrate and can lead to overtreatment and growth suppression.

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