Cognitive outcome of offspring from dexamethasone-treated pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To test whether dexamethasone (DEX) treatment in pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) impairs cognitive functioning in the offspring.

Design

Observational follow-up of prenatally DEX-exposed offspring and controls.

Methods

Study 1 included 140 children aged 512 years: 67 DEX-exposed (long-term: eight CAH girls) and 73 unexposed (with 15 CAH girls). Study 2 included 20 participants aged 11-24 years: seven DEX-exposed (long-term: one CAH woman) and 13 unexposed (with four CAH women). Neuropsychological testing was done in hospital settings or at patients' homes. Data analysis aimed at maximizing detection of the effects of DEX exposure.

Results

The vast majority of group comparisons were not marginally or conventionally signific

SUBMITTER: Meyer-Bahlburg HF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3383400 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature