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Original Article
Adrenal gland Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Korean Patients with Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: An Analysis of Data from the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) Cohort Study
Keypoint
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia was identified in thirty-one Korean patients: 29 with the classic form and 2 with the nonclassic form.
Most patients with classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia were diagnosed during the neonatal period.
Spontaneous pubertal development occurred in both patients with the classic form and a 46,XX karyotype and those with the nonclassic form and a 46,XY karyotype.
Monitoring fertility and adrenal function requires long-term follow-up.
Yoonha Lee1*orcid, Minsun Kim2*orcid, Yun Jeong Lee3orcid, Sung Yoon Cho4orcid, Junghwan Suh5orcid, Moon Bae Ahn6orcid, Chong Kun Cheon7orcid, Chan Jong Kim8orcid, Han Hyuk Lim9orcid, Sochung Chung10orcid, Won Kyoung Cho11orcid, Eun-Gyong Yoo1orcid, Choong Ho Shin3orcid, Han-Wook Yoo1orcid, Young Ah Lee3orcid
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(4):566-578.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2611
Published online: May 26, 2026

1Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea

2Department of Pediatrics, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea

3Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

4Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

5Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children’s Hospital, Endocrine Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

6Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea

7Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children’s Hospital, Yangsan, Korea

8Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Children’s Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea

9Department of Pediatrics, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea

10Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

11Department of Pediatrics, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea

Corresponding author: Young Ah Lee. Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea Tel: +82-2-2072-2308, Fax: +82-2-2072-3917, E-mail: nina337@snu.ac.kr
These authors contributed equally to this work.
• Received: August 19, 2025   • Revised: October 15, 2025   • Accepted: December 11, 2025

Copyright © 2026 Korean Endocrine Society

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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  • Background
    Clinical characteristics and follow-up outcomes were examined in Korean patients with lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) enrolled in the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) cohort.
  • Methods
    Thirty-one patients (classic LCAH [C-LCAH], n=29; nonclassic LCAH [NC-LCAH], n=2) from 10 centers were included. NC-LCAH was defined by any of the following: 46,XY karyotype with male external genitalia, no fludrocortisone use, or diagnosis after infancy.
  • Results
    Median age at diagnosis was 36.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 14.6 to 120.5); salt-wasting occurred in 58.6% of patients, and skin hyperpigmentation was the most common clinical feature (71%). All C-LCAH patients (STAR variants: p.Q258*/p.Q258* [n=27], p.Q258*/p.Arg182His [n=1], p.Q258*/p.Arg182Cys [n=1]; karyotypes: 46,XX [n=17], 46,XY [n=12]) were diagnosed in infancy with a female phenotype. Among C-LCAH patients with 46,XX, 11 had spontaneous thelarche (median, 11.0 years; IQR, 8.2 to 12.2) and five reached menarche (median, 12.4 years; IQR, 11.9 to 13.2). Among eight C-LCAH-XX patients who underwent ultrasonography, three had unilocular ovarian cysts, including one rupture. Two NC-LCAH patients (p.Q258*/p.Val187Met and p.Ala218Val/p.Gly221Ser; both 46,XY) were diagnosed at 1.6 and 3.3 years with male external genitalia; one had spontaneous puberty at 10.6 years. Eight patients reached adult height (Z-score, 0.1; IQR, −0.9 to 1.2). The hydrocortisone dose was 21.7 mg/m2 (IQR, 14.9 to 26.5) at diagnosis and 17.3 mg/m2 (IQR, 13.9 to 22.7) at last follow-up (median age, 11.6 years; IQR, 8.9 to 17.4).
  • Conclusion
    This is the first large-scale multicenter investigation in Korea reporting long-term outcomes of LCAH. Continued longitudinal follow-up focusing on pubertal development and reproductive outcomes is warranted.
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man [OMIM] #201710) is a rare disorder caused by defects in the steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) protein. STAR plays a critical role in transporting cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane in steroidogenic cells [1]. Defects in STAR result in intracellular cholesterol accumulation, leading to impaired synthesis of cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens or estrogens [2]. The STAR gene is located on chromosome 8p11.23 and has been recognized since 1995 [3]. To date, approximately 104 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants have been identified.
LCAH represents a rare subtype of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), as more than 95% of CAH cases are caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Although 11β-hydroxylase deficiency is generally the second most common form worldwide, LCAH is reported more frequently in East Asian populations, including Korea, Japan, and China, where it represents the second most prevalent subtype [4,5]. The only published estimate of the prevalence of lipoid CAH in Japan is 2.1 per 1,000,000 individuals [6]. This regional predominance has been attributed to founder effects, as evidenced by the high frequency of the p.Q258* variant in East Asian populations [4,5,7]. The STAR gene exhibits population-specific variant distributions, with the R182L (c.201_202delCT) variant prevalent in Palestine, the L260P variant in Switzerland, and the p.Q258* variant in East Asia, all of which have been associated with founder effects [7-9].
Depending on the degree of residual STAR function, clinical manifestations of LCAH can vary widely. The classic form of LCAH is characterized by a complete loss of STAR function, resulting in an inability to synthesize steroid hormones and leading to primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) during the neonatal period. In contrast, the nonclassic form retains partial STAR function, resulting in later disease onset and incomplete steroid deficiency, with clinical severity depending on the specific gene variant involved [10].
Although several single-center studies on LCAH have been reported in Korea [7,11], a multicenter study with long-term follow-up in Korean patients with LCAH has not previously been conducted. In the present study, we investigated clinical manifestations, karyotypes and disease subtypes, genetic and hormonal profiles, treatment patterns, and follow-up outcomes, including growth and pubertal development, in Korean patients with LCAH enrolled in the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) cohort.
This study included patients diagnosed before 18 years of age between January 1980 and August 2022. Data were obtained from a multicenter cohort study, the OUTSPREAD study, which involved 30 medical centers across South Korea [12]. Among the 351 patients with CAH included in the OUTSPREAD study, 31 patients with LCAH were identified from 10 medical centers (Supplemental Table S1), including one pair of twins and 29 individuals from unrelated families.
LCAH was defined by the presence of PAI and pathogenic variants in the STAR gene and was categorized into classic and nonclassic forms. The classic form (C-LCAH) presented with adrenal insufficiency during the neonatal or early infantile period and was characterized by a female phenotype or minimally masculinized external genitalia, irrespective of karyotype. The nonclassic form (NC-LCAH) was defined according to criteria applied in a recent study [6]. Patients were classified as having NC-LCAH if they met at least one of the following criteria: (1) a 46,XY karyotype with fully male external genitalia; (2) absence of salt-wasting adrenal insufficiency or no requirement for fludrocortisone supplementation; or (3) diagnosis after infancy.
Data on age, anthropometric measurements, initial clinical presentations, physical findings (including Quigley grade), karyotype, STAR genotype, surgical data, hormone replacement therapy, and other medical treatments were collected at key time points as part of the overall cohort study [12]. Decisions regarding sex assignment at birth are typically made during the neonatal period, taking into account genital appearance, anticipated functional outcomes, and potential fertility. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium concentration <135 mmol/L, hyperkalemia as a serum potassium concentration ≥7.0 mmol/L, and hypoglycemia as a blood glucose level <54 mg/dL. The collected information included anthropometric data obtained annually from the time of diagnosis up to 3 years post-diagnosis, as well as at the onset of spontaneous puberty, at attainment of adult height, and at the last follow-up. Height, weight, and body mass index z-scores were calculated using the 2017 Korean National Growth Charts for Children and Adolescents [13].
Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.4.0 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Data are presented as medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables, and the Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare continuous variables across groups. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided P value <0.05.
The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Seoul National University Hospital, which waived the requirement for informed consent (IRB No. 2206-211-1336).
Clinical and biochemical presentation at diagnosis
Table 1 summarizes the clinical and biochemical characteristics at diagnosis of patients with C-LCAH (n=29) and NC-LCAH (n=2). The median age at diagnosis was 36.5 days (IQR, 14.6 to 120.5). Among the 29 C-LCAH patients, 12 were diagnosed during the neonatal period, 11 between 31 and 120 days of age, and five between 121 and 210 days of age, while the age at diagnosis was unknown for one patient. The two NC-LCAH patients were diagnosed after 1 year of age. The most common clinical manifestation was skin hyperpigmentation (71.0%), followed by fatigue or lethargy, decreased oral intake, and vomiting.
Chromosome analysis demonstrated a 46,XX karyotype in 17 patients (all C-LCAH-XX, 54.8%) and a 46,XY karyotype in 14 patients (12 C-LCAH-XY and 2 NC-LCAH-XY). Both NCLCAH-XY patients exhibited Quigley grade 1 genitalia, corresponding to completely masculinized external genitalia, whereas all C-LCAH patients showed Quigley grade 6 or 7 genitalia, indicating complete female-type external genitalia, as illustrated in Fig. 1. No family history of LCAH was identified, except for one pair of twins.
A salt-wasting crisis at diagnosis was observed in 17 (58.6%) of the 29 C-LCAH patients. Additionally, hyponatremia was present in 15 patients (60.0%), hyperkalemia in eight patients (32.0%), and hypoglycemia in four patients (22.2%). The median adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level at diagnosis was highest among patients diagnosed before 30 days of age (3,225 pg/mL; IQR, 1,780 to 5,153), compared with 1,000 pg/mL (IQR, 758 to 2,000) in those diagnosed between 30 and 120 days and 1,214 pg/mL (IQR, 334 to 2,025) in those diagnosed after 120 days. A salt-wasting crisis was noted in six of 12 patients (50.0%) diagnosed before 30 days, seven of 11 patients (63.6%) diagnosed between 30 and 120 days, and four of five patients (80.0%) diagnosed after 120 days. No significant differences were observed in ACTH levels or in the proportion of salt-wasting crises among the three age groups at diagnosis (before 30, 31–120, and 121–210 days).
At diagnosis, all 31 patients were treated with hydrocortisone, and fludrocortisone was administered to 30 patients, excluding one NC-LCAH patient. Sodium chloride supplementation was provided during the infantile period in 13 patients (41.9%). The initial maintenance dose of hydrocortisone was 21.7 mg/m2/day (IQR, 14.9 to 26.5), and the initial dose of fludrocortisone was 0.1 mg/day (IQR, 0.1 to 0.1).
Clinical follow-up of 29 patients with C-LCAH (17 C-LCAH-XX and 12 C-LCAH-XY)
Clinical and biochemical data for the 17 C-LCAH-XX patients are presented in Table 1 (at diagnosis) and Table 2 (follow-up). The median height and weight z-scores at diagnosis were 0.6 (IQR, 0.1 to 1.8) and −0.5 (IQR, −0.8 to −0.2), respectively. STAR gene analysis identified the p.Q258*/p.Q258* variant in 15 patients, p.Q258*/p.Arg182His in one patient, and p.Q258*/p.Arg182Cys in one patient (Table 1).
The median age at the last follow-up was 12.5 years (IQR, 9.0 to 15.1), and 11 patients were older than 10 years at that time. Fig. 2 illustrates ovarian function-related outcomes in the 17 CLCAH-XX patients. Spontaneous puberty occurred in 11 patients at a median age of 11.0 years (IQR, 8.2 to 12.2). Five patients experienced spontaneous menarche at a median age of 12.4 years (IQR, 11.9 to 13.2). Among eight C-LCAH-XX patients who underwent ultrasonography, unilocular ovarian cysts were identified in three patients, including one patient who experienced ovarian cyst rupture at 15 years of age. At the last follow-up, their luteinizing hormone levels were 5.1, 9.2, and 21 mIU/mL, with corresponding follicle-stimulating hormone levels of 1.0, 3.9, and 7.5 mIU/mL. Three of the five postmenarcheal girls had irregular menstruation, and one of these patients was treated with progesterone after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome at 19.9 years of age.
At the last follow-up, four patients were classified as overweight and two as obese. The median daily doses of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone were 17.4 mg/m2 (IQR, 13.4 to 24.1) and 0.1 mg (IQR, 0.1 to 0.1), respectively. Three patients reached adult height, with a median height Z-score of −0.8 (IQR, −1.0 to 0.2).
Clinical and biochemical data for the 12 C-LCAH-XY patients are shown in Table 1 (at diagnosis) and Table 2 (follow-up). All patients were found to carry the homozygous p.Q258* mutation. The median height and weight z-scores at diagnosis were 0.4 (IQR, −0.8 to 1.1) and −1.1 (IQR, −2.0 to 0.2), respectively. Gonadectomy was performed in all 12 patients at a median age of 3.3 years (IQR, 1.3–6.4), and one patient was diagnosed with germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) at 1.3 years of age. The median age at the last follow-up was 11.6 years (IQR, 9.6 to 20.8), with a median follow-up duration of 10.3 years (IQR, 6.7 to 17.8). At the last follow-up, two patients were overweight and four were obese. The median daily doses of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone were 15.6 mg/m2 (IQR, 13.7 to 18.7) and 0.1 mg (IQR, 0.1 to 0.2), respectively. Six patients initiated estrogen replacement therapy at a median age of 11.6 years (IQR, 11.0 to 16.3). Four patients reached adult height, with a median height Z-score of 0.9 (IQR, −0.3 to 1.4).
Clinical follow-up of two patients with NC- LCAH (NC-LCAH-XY)
The two NC-LCAH-XY patients were diagnosed at 1.6 and 3.3 years of age and carried the p.Q258*/p.Val187Met and p.Ala-218Val/p.Gly221Ser variants, respectively (Table 1). Both patients presented with skin hyperpigmentation and were followed until 6.1 and 26.3 years of age. One patient entered puberty at 10.6 years of age and reached adult height, with a height Z-score of 0.1. At the last follow-up, this patient demonstrated adequate hormone levels (luteinizing hormone, 8.5 mIU/mL; follicle-stimulating hormone, 8.4 mIU/mL; and testosterone, 5.4 ng/mL).
This study presents comprehensive clinical features and outcomes, including genetic evaluation, of 31 patients with LCAH in Korea. Most patients (93.5%) were classified as having the classic form and were diagnosed at a median age of 36.5 days. Skin hyperpigmentation was the most common presenting feature. Most C-LCAH-XX and NC-LCAH-XY patients who had reached pubertal age experienced spontaneous puberty and demonstrated age-appropriate growth. Ovarian cysts were frequently observed in individuals with a 46,XX karyotype.
Earlier reports defined LCAH as PAI presenting in late infancy or childhood, accompanied by completely masculinized external genitalia in individuals with a 46,XY karyotype. Definitions of LCAH used in previous studies are summarized in Supplemental Table S2. More recently, however, the age at onset of PAI has been shown not to provide a clear distinction between classic and nonclassic forms, as some NC-LCAH patients have been reported to develop PAI during infancy [6]. Consequently, a recent Japanese study incorporated the requirement for mineralocorticoid replacement into the diagnostic criteria, and we adopted the same definition to maintain consistency with that study.
The exact prevalence of NC-LCAH remains unknown. However, in East Asian populations, where the overall frequency of LCAH is relatively high, reported proportions of nonclassic cases range from approximately 11.1% to 19.3% [2,6,14], as summarized in Supplemental Table S2. Moreover, a recent review identified 47 genetically confirmed cases worldwide, encompassing 14 distinct STAR mutations [15].
Our finding that 87.1% of patients with LCAH in this Korean multicenter study carried the p.Q258*/p.Q258* variant was consistent with previous Korean reports [7,11]. The p.Q258* allele is also prevalent in other East Asian regions due to a founder effect, with reported frequencies of 45% in China [14] and 86.1% in Japan [6]. Patients harboring p.Q258* mutations associated with loss of STAR protein function, as well as those with p.Arg182His or p.Arg182Cys mutations resulting in minimal pregnenolone production, exhibited a classic phenotype [16]. In contrast, two patients with the p.Q258*/p.Val187Met and p.Ala218Val/p.Gly221Ser genotypes were diagnosed with NCLCAH-XY and presented with fully masculinized external genitalia after 1 year of age. In vitro functional analyses of the p. Gly221Ser variant demonstrated 30%–50% pregnenolone production compared with the wild type [10]. Similarly, the p.Val-187Met variant retained 21.6% activity [17], whereas the p.Ala-218Val variant showed approximately 6% to 20% residual STAR activity [17,18].
LCAH should be suspected in phenotypic female neonates presenting with adrenal insufficiency, normal 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels, and no evidence of virilization. Accurate diagnosis requires prompt hormonal evaluation and genetic testing. Although hyperpigmentation due to elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone levels is a common presenting feature, it may be overlooked in the absence of overt salt-wasting. Nevertheless, given that only 58.6% of patients in our cohort presented with salt-wasting, hyperpigmentation should raise suspicion of LCAH, even in its absence. This finding highlights skin hyperpigmentation as an important diagnostic clue that should prompt further hormonal and genetic evaluation. In contrast, large-scale studies have reported higher frequencies of electrolyte disturbances, with hyponatremia observed in 82.4% of patients in Japan [6], and salt-wasting reported in 80.8% of patients in China [14]. Other case series have described salt-wasting frequencies ranging from 66% to 80% [19,20].
In C-LCAH-XY patients, Leydig cells, which are primarily responsible for testicular steroidogenesis, display a characteristic foamy appearance. This feature likely reflects chronic impairment of steroidogenesis beginning in the fetal period and culminating in lipid accumulation within these cells [21,22]. Although testicular pathology was not comprehensively assessed in our study, one patient was found to have GCNIS. Similar findings of GCNIS and pre-GCNIS have been reported previously [2,23]. Nevertheless, because the testes are structurally preserved at birth, gonadectomy is typically deferred until later in childhood following female sex assignment.
Most C-LCAH-XX patients undergo spontaneous puberty and menarche, as reported in previous studies (Table 3). Fetal ovarian cells remain dormant until gonadotropin stimulation, allowing pubertal development to proceed. After puberty, however, progressive lipid accumulation occurs due to the initiation of autonomous cholesterol synthesis in the ovaries [21,24], which may lead to ovarian cyst formation, menstrual irregularities, and infertility in adulthood [19]. Elevated luteinizing hormone levels, particularly in the setting of low or normal follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels, may indicate persistent anovulation and an increased risk of ovarian cyst development [25,26]. In our study, three patients were identified with ovarian cysts, one of whom experienced cyst rupture. In previous reports, among 32 pubertal 46,XX patients, 14 developed ovarian cysts following spontaneous menarche, 10 of whom were receiving oral contraceptives (Table 3) [6,19,25-28]. Pregnancy was achieved in two cases using in vitro fertilization [19], and in one case following clomiphene induction and progesterone supplementation [27]. Therefore, monitoring luteinizing hormone levels in conjunction with pelvic ultrasonography is recommended after menarche in patients with C-LCAH to detect ovarian cysts and other reproductive complications. Adult height outcomes in C-LCAH-XX patients have been reported to be comparable to mid-parental height and similar to population norms [6,19,27].
Males with NC-LCAH retain partial STAR function, which allows some steroidogenic capacity in fetal Leydig cells and enables spontaneous pubertal development [15]. Consequently, as shown in Table 4, most patients with NC-LCAH exhibited age-appropriate pubertal onset, with the exception of one case. NC-LCAH usually presents with male-type external genitalia; however, seven of 14 NC-LCAH-XY patients showed genital abnormalities at diagnosis (Table 4), with hypospadias reported in up to 21.5% of cases in a previous study [15]. Theoretically, individuals with NC-LCAH may develop hypogonadism and impaired fertility, often accompanied by testicular atrophy and vacuolated Sertoli and Leydig cells [17,29]. As shown in Table 4, four of eight patients with available data on both external genitalia and adult fertility demonstrated hypogonadism or testicular abnormalities, including one patient with typical male external genitalia. These findings indicate that, although spontaneous puberty generally occurs in patients with NC-LCAH, the risk of infertility persists, underscoring the importance of ongoing evaluation. Meanwhile, adult height in NC-LCAH-XY patients does not differ from population norms [6,10,14,30]. Despite the absence of NC-LCAH-XX cases in our study, normal pubertal development and regular menstruation have been reported in such cases, as summarized in Table 4. In addition, five cases of spontaneous pregnancy and one case achieved with ovulation induction using clomiphene have been reported [6,31,32].
Our study has several limitations. First, the sample size was limited because of the rarity of LCAH. Second, the relatively young age of patients at the time of last follow-up limited the ability to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of pubertal development and reproductive outcomes, highlighting the need for future prospective studies. Third, due to the retrospective design, clinical parameters such as mid-parental height, bone mineral density, and metabolic outcomes were not consistently collected from diagnosis through the last follow-up. Given the importance of these parameters for understanding long-term prognosis, future prospective studies should incorporate systematic data collection to better elucidate long-term outcomes, including fertility prognosis, through extended follow-up. Fourth, hormone measurements were not standardized across participating centers, and assay kits may have changed within individual centers over the extended study period, potentially affecting data comparability. Although direct numerical comparisons may therefore be limited, these variations are unlikely to have influenced the interpretation of overall increasing or decreasing trends. Despite these limitations, this study is meaningful, as it represents the largest multicenter study conducted in Korea to date.
This study represents the first large-scale multicenter investigation to report long-term outcomes of LCAH stratified by classic and nonclassic forms. LCAH should be suspected in phenotypic female neonates presenting with adrenal insufficiency or skin hyperpigmentation and normal 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels. Along with appropriate adjustment of adrenal hormone replacement therapy, continued follow-up focusing on pubertal development, including ovarian cyst formation in 46,XX patients, and reproductive outcomes is warranted.

Supplemental Table S1.

Hospitals Involved in the Multicenter Study
enm-2025-2611-Supplemental-Table-S1.pdf

Supplemental Table S2.

Definitions and Reported Frequencies of NC-LCAH in Published Studies
enm-2025-2611-Supplemental-Table-S2.pdf

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported and funded by Seoul National University Hospital Lee Kun-hee Child Cancer & Rare Disease Project, Republic of Korea (grant number: 22C-007-0100).

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

Conception or design: Y.L., M.K., Y.J.L., S.Y.C., J.S., M.B.A., C.K.C., C.J.K., H.H.L., S.C., W.K.C., E.G.Y., C.H.S., H.W.Y., Y.A.L. Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Y.L., Y.A.L. Drafting the work or revising: Y.L., M.K., Y.J.L., S.Y.C., J.S., M.B.A., C.K.C., C.J.K., H.H.L., S.C., W.K.C., E.G.Y., C.H.S., H.W.Y., Y.A.L. Final approval of the manuscript: Y.L., M.K., Y.J.L., S.Y.C., J.S., M.B.A., C.K.C., C.J.K., H.H.L., S.C., W.K.C., E.G.Y., C.H.S., H.W.Y., Y.A.L.

Fig. 1.
Clinical classification of lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) patients. The age at diagnosis for one 46,XX classic-type patient was unavailable. Age at diagnosis was available in 16 patients with C-LCAH-XX.
enm-2025-2611f1.jpg
Fig. 2.
Pubertal status in classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia-XX patients. PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.
enm-2025-2611f2.jpg
enm-2025-2611f3.jpg
Table 1.
Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Patients with LCAH at Diagnosis
Characteristic Total XX
XY
Classic Classic Nonclassic
No. of patients 31 17 (54.8) 12 (38.7) 2 (6.5)
Sex, female/male 29/2 17/0 12/0 0/2
Height Z-scorea 0.6 (–0.2 to 1.8) 0.6 (0.1 to 1.8) 0.4 (–0.8 to 1.1) 1.3, 1.8
Weight Z-scorea –0.5 (–1.2 to –0.2) –0.5 (–0.8 to –0.2) –1.1 (–2.0 to 0.2) 1.5, 1.8
Age at diagnosis, yra 0.1 (0.0 to 0.3) 0.1 (0.1 to 0.4) 0.1 (0.0 to 0.2) 1.6, 3.3
 Neonate (0–30 days) 12 6 6 0
 Infant (31–120 days) 11 6 5 0
 Infant (121–210 days) 5 4 1 0
 Infant (211–365 days) 0 0 0 0
 After infancy (>1 year) 2 0 0 2
Salt-wasting crisis at diagnosis 17 (58.6) 9 (52.9) 8 (66.7) 0
Presenting symptoms at diagnosis
 Skin pigmentation 22 (71.0) 13 (76.5) 7 (58.3) 2 (100.0)
 Lethargy 9 (29.0) 4 (23.5) 5 (41.7) 0
 Poor oral intake 9 (29.0) 6 (35.3) 3 (25.0) 0
 Vomiting 8 (25.8) 3 (17.6) 5 (41.7) 0
 Incidental electrolyte abnormalities 6 (19.4) 5 (29.4) 1 (8.3) 0
 Seizure 3 (9.7) 3 (17.6) 0 0
 Weight loss 2 (6.5) 1 (5.9) 1 (8.3) 0
 Hypertrichosis 1 (3.2) 1 (5.9) 0 0
 Hypoglycemia 1 (3.2) 0 1 (8.3) 0
 Difficulty maintaining body temperature 1 (3.2) 0 1 (8.3) 0
STAR genotype
 p.Q258*/p.Q258* 27 (87.1) 15 (88.2) 12 (100.0) 0
 p.Q258*/p.Arg182His 1 (3.2) 1 (5.9) 0 0
 p.Q258*/p.Arg182Cys 1 (3.2) 1 (5.9) 0 0
 p.Q258*/p.Val187Met 1 (3.2) 0 0 1 (50.0)
 p.Ala218Val/p.Gly221Ser 1 (3.2) 0 0 1 (50.0)
Biochemical data at diagnosis
 ACTH, pg/mLa 2,000.0 (757.6 to 4,399.6) 1,975.0 (602.5 to 2,200.0) 2,000.0 (915.1 to 5,515.2) 139.3, 8,101.7
 Cortisol, μg/dLa 1.5 (1.0 to 4.0) 1.6 (1.1 to 4.9) 1.4 (1.0 to 3.4) 0.8, 3.0
 Aldosterone, ng/dLa,b 8.8 (2.3 to 18.4) 12.4 (5.9 to 18.8) 3.3 (2.0 to 46.3) 0.1, 5.7
 Renin, ng/mL/hra 24.6 (13.9 to 39.4) 50.5 (11.3 to 60.3) 24.6 (21.0 to 37.0) 17.2, NA
 17OHP, ng/mLa 0.48 (0.09 to 0.82) 0.46 (0.08 to 0.68) 0.67 (0.24 to 1.98) 0.05, NA
 Sodium, mmol/La 133.0 (124.3 to 137.5) 134.0 (125.0 to 138.0) 128.0 (122.0 to 136.0) 135, 135
 Potassium, mmol/La 5.8 (4.9 to 7.4) 5.7 (4.9 to 6.0) 7.4 (5.2 to 9.1) 4.1, 4.3
 Glucose, mg/dLa 85.0 (74.5 to 106.0) 84.5 (77.3 to 86.8) 80.0 (57.0 to 115.0) 104.0, 108.5
Initial medication
 Patients who received hydrocortisone 31 (100.0) 17 (100.0) 12 (100.0) 2 (100.0)
 Hydrocortisone dose, mg/m2/day 21.7 (14.9 to 26.5) 19.0 (14.2 to 23.4) 20.0 (14.9 to 34.2) 28.2, 36.2
 Patients who received fludrocortisone 30 (96.8) 17 (100.0) 12 (100.0) 1 (50.0)
 Fludrocortisone dosea, mg/day 0.1 (0.05 to 0.1) 0.1 (0.05 to 0.2) 0.1 (0.06 to 0.1) 0.05, NA
 Patients who received NaCl 13 (41.9) 7 (41.2) 6 (50.0) 0

Values are expressed as number (%) or median (interquartile range). Sex was classified according to phenotypic sex.

LCAH, lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; STAR, steroidogenic acute regulatory; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; 17OHP, 17-hydroxyprogesterone; NA, not applicable.

a Missing values; height Z-score (n=5), weight Z-score (n=3), age at diagnosis (n=1), ACTH (n=6), cortisol (n=7), aldosterone (n=15), renin (n=11), 17OHP (n=10), sodium (n=3), potassium (n=3), glucose (n=10), hydrocortisone dose (n=6), fludrocortisone dose (n=2);

b Aldosterone values should be interpreted with respect to pediatric reference ranges (ng/dL): term infants—3 days, 4–184 (mean 95); 1 week, 5–175 (mean 46); 1–12 months, 5–90 (mean 31); children—1–2 years, 7–54 (mean 28); 2–10 years, 5–80 (mean 28, upright); and 10–15 years, 4–48 (mean 20, upright).

Table 2.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients with LCAH at the Last Follow-up
Characteristic Total XX
XY
Classic Classic Nonclassic
No. of patients 31 17 12 2
Sex, female/male 29/2 17/0 12/0 0/2
Age at last follow-up, yr 11.6 (9.0 to 17.4) 12.5 (9.0 to 15.1) 11.6 (9.6 to 20.8) 6.1, 26.3
 0–9.9 11 6 4 1
 10–12.9 8 5 3 0
 13–14.9 3 2 1 0
 15–19.9 4 3 1 0
 20–27 5 1 3 1
Gonadectomy 12 0 12 0
Age at gonadectomy, yr 3.3 (1.3 to 6.4) NA 3.3 (1.3 to 6.4) NA
Puberty
 Spontaneous puberty 12 11 NA 1
 Spontaneous puberty before 15 years of age (boys) and 13 years of age (girls) 11 10 NA 1
 Age at the start of thelarche or gonadarche, yr 11.5 (9.4 to 12.5) 11.0 (8.2 to 12.2) NA 10.56
 LH, mIU/mLa 3.5 (1.0 to 9.5) 2.3 (0.4 to 7.1) 13.2 (6.7 to 18.0) 2.29
 FSH, mIU/mLa 5.0 (3.07 to 29.3) 3.3 (2.8 to 4.6) 52.3 (39.6 to 57.4) 2.99
 Estrogen replacement 6 1 6 NA
 Age at the start of estrogen, yr 11.6 (11.0 to 16.3) 19.9 11.6 (11.0 to 16.3) NA
 Spontaneous menarche 5 5 NA NA
 Age at menarche, yr 12.4 (11.9 to 13.2) 12.4 (11.9 to 13.2) NA NA
 Regular menstruation 2 2 NA NA
At last follow-up
 Height Z-score at last follow-upa –0.5 (–1.4 to 0.3) –1.2 (–1.5 to 0.0) 0.2 (–1.0 to 0.6) –0.5, NA
 Weight Z-score at last follow-upa 0.3 (–1.0 to 1.0) 0.0 (–1.0 to 0.9) 0.4 (–1.0 to 2.5) 0.1, NA
 BMI Z-score at last follow-upa 0.6 (–0.1 to 1.6) 0.6 (–0.6 to 1.2) 0.7 (0.5 to 2.2) 0.7, NA
Normal weight/overweight/obesity 16/6/6 9/4/2 6/2/4 1/0/0
ACTH, pg/mLa 220.2 (39.8 to 1,805.5) 346.9 (39.8 to 2,000.0) 197.25 (48.8 to 1,433.8) 13.1, 47.2
Cortisol, μg/dLa 2.7 (2.7 to 17.6) 2.1 (0.3 to 18.7) 2.7 (2.1 to 2.7) 16.2, 18.9
Aldosterone, ng/dLa,b 1.4 (1.2 to 3.0) 2.1 (1.2 to 31.8) 1.2 (0.9 to 1.2) 3.0, NA
Renin, ng/mL/hra 3.8 (0.5 to 15.0) 2.1 (0.5 to 15.9) 3.14 (1.3 to 14.1) 4.4, 8.2
Medication
 Hydrocortisone dose, mg/m2a 17.3 (13.9 to 22.7) 17.4 (13.4 to 24.1) 15.6 (13.7 to 18.7) 29.5, NA
 Fludrocortisone dose, mg 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2) 0.1 (0.1 to 0.1) 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2) 0.05, NA
 Growth hormone 6 4 2 0
 GnRH agonistc 2 2 0 0
At reaching adult height
 Patients who reached adult height 8 3 4 1
 Adult height Z-score 0.1 (–0.9 to 1.2) –0.8 (–1.0 to 0.2) 0.9 (–0.3 to 1.4) 0.1
 Weight Z-score 0.5 (0.2 to 1.1) 0.2 (0.2 to 1.1) 0.6 (–0.2 to 0.9) 0.6
 BMI Z-score 0.7 (0.3 to 1.7) 0.6 (0.1 to 1.8) 1.0 (–0.2 to 1.5) 0.7
 Normal weight/overweight/obesity 5/1/2 2/0/1 2/1/1 1/0/0

Values are expressed as median (interquartile range). Sex was classified according to phenotypic sex.

LCAH, lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; NA, not applicable; LH, luteinizing hormone; FSH, follicle stimulating hormone; BMI, body mass index; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

a Missing values; LH (n=21), FSH (n=21), height Z-score (n=3), weight Z-score (n=3), BMI Z-score (n=3), ACTH (n=3), cortisol (n=17), aldosterone (n=22), renin (n=9), hydrocortisone dose (n=2);

b Aldosterone values should be interpreted with respect to pediatric reference ranges (ng/dL): term infants—3 days, 4–184 (mean 95); 1 week, 5–175 (mean 46); 1–12 months, 5–90 (mean 31); children—1–2 years, 7–54 (mean 28); 2–10 years, 5–80 (mean 28, upright); 10–15 years, 4–48 (mean 20, upright), and adult, 7-30 (mean 13, upright);

c GnRH agonist treatment was administered to two patients, all of whom were girls aged between 8 and 9 years at the commencement of the treatment.

Table 3.
Previous Reports of Puberty Outcomes in C-LCAH-XX Patients
Reference Total No. of C-LCAH-XX Age at diagnosis Breast budding, yr Menarche, yr Fertility Ovarian dysfunction Final adult height SDS
This study 31 17 (54.8) 0.10 years (0.06–0.35) 11.0 (8.2–12.2) 12.4 (11.9–13.2) NA 3/8 Diagnosed with unilateral ovarian cysts –0.8 (–1.0 to 0.2)
1 Patient on OC
Ishii et al. (2020) [6] 57 16 (28.1) 0.0 years (0.0–0.9) 9.5 (9.0–10.3) 11.8 (10.0–13.0) NA 3/8 Adult ovariectomy or cystectomy by age 23 (21–40) –0.5 (including NC-LCAH patients)
4 Patients on OC
Khoury et al. (2016) [27] 2 1 (50.0) 4.5 months 11 14 Pregnancy and delivery with clomiphene and progesterone Regular menstruation with no dysmenorrhea Similar to MPH
Sertedaki et al. (2013) [19] 5 3 (60.0) 8 months 9 12 Pregnancy with IVF and successful delivery Ovarian cystectomy at age 20 on OC, Irregular menstruation –0.6
2 months
2 months 11 13 NA Ovarian cyst at age 19.5 on OC –0.2
20 days 13 14.5 NA Ovarian cyst at age 13 on OC –1.7
Jin et al. (2011) [26] 1 1 (100.0) 13 days 10 12 NA Ovarian torsion at age 14 NA
Irregular menstruation after age 14
Shima et al. (2000) [25] 3 3 (100.0) 4 months 9 10 NA Ovarian cyst at age 11 NA
Irregular menstruation from age 11
3 days 12 13 NA Ovarian cyst at age 23 NA
1 month 14 15 NA Regular menstruation NA
Tanae et al. (2000) [28] 3 3 (100.0) 45 days 11 12 NA Ovarian cyst diagnosed at age 15 on OC NA
30 days 14 15 NA Irregular menstruation after age 18, ovarian cyst (–) NA
3 days 12 13 NA Ovarian cyst diagnosed at age 23 Regular menstruation NA

Values are expressed as median (interquartile range).

C-LCAH, classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; SDS, standard deviation score; NA, not available; OC, oral contraceptive; NC-LCAH, nonclassic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; MPH, mid-parental height; IVF, in vitro fertilization.

Table 4.
Previous Reports of Puberty Outcomes in NC-LCAH Patients
Reference Age at diagnosis, yr External genitalia Puberty Fertility Final adult height
NC-LCAH-XY
 This study 1.6–3.3 Typical male 10.56–NA Normal gonadotropin level at age 26 0.1–NA
 Ishii et al. (2020) [6] 4.0 (0.0–9.7) Unilateral cryptorchidism in #2 patient 11.3–11.6 #1. Normal semen analysis –0.5 (including C-LCAH patients)
#2. Oligospermia and testicular hypoplasia
 Zhang et al. (2021) [14] NA Typical male 10 NA 0.9 SD
6 months Micropenis NA NA NA
 Ishii et al. (2019) [29] 1 Typical male NA Normal gonadal function, semen analysis at age 35 159.1 cm (MPH data NA)
4 Cryptorchidism 11.6 Testis microcalcification, normal testosterone 170.6 cm (MPH data NA)
5 hours Typical male 11.3 Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in adulthood 152.2 cm (MPH data NA)
 Fluck et al. (2011) [10] 10 months Typical male 11.5 Normal gonadal function and inhibin at age 29 FAH lower than MPH
 Sahakitrungruang et al. (2010) [30] 4 Typical male NA NA NA
Hypospadias
3 months Micropenis, small testis, severe hypospadias Required androgen replacement Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in adulthood 185 cm
3.5 months Micropenis NA NA NA
Cryptorchidism
 Metherell et al. (2009) [32] 5 NA NA Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism at age 36 NA
Testicular atrophy
Vacuolated Sertoli cells
6 Typical male 12 NA NA
NA Typical male 12 NA NA
3 hypospadias Normal Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism at age 28 NA
Normal semen analysis
NC-LCAH-XX
 Ishii et al. (2020) [6] Typical female Thelarche: 11.0 years (10.3–13.0) 3 patients delivered children without progesterone –0.45 (including C-LCAH patients)
Menarche: 13.8 years (12.0–15.8) No sex hormone replacement
 Hatabu et al. (2019) [31] 4 Typical female Thelarche age 10 Natural pregnancy and delivery without progesterone therapy NA
Menarche age 13
Infancy Typical female Thelarche age 11 Endometriosis in early 20s NA
Menarche age 14 Pregnancy with clomiphene induction without progesterone
4 Typical female Menarche age 14 Regular menstruation NA
6 Typical female Thelarche age 10 Regular menstruation NA
Menarche age 12
 Metherell et al. (2009) [32] 2 NA NA Delivered 2 children NA
 Zhang et al. (2021) [14] 2 years 10 months Typical female NA NA NA
 Fluck et al. (2011) [10] 1 year 2 months Typical female Thelarche age 12 Regular menstruation FAH similar to MPH
Menarche age 14
 Metherell et al. (2009) [32] 12 Typical female Menarche 12 Regular menstruation NA

Values are expressed as interquartile range and/or individual values.

NC-LCAH, nonclassic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; NA, not available; C-LCAH, classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; SD, standard deviation; MPH, mid-parental height; FAH, final adult height.

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      Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Korean Patients with Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: An Analysis of Data from the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) Cohort Study
      Endocrinol Metab. 2026;41(4):566-578.   Published online May 26, 2026
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    Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Korean Patients with Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: An Analysis of Data from the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) Cohort Study
    Image Image Image
    Fig. 1. Clinical classification of lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) patients. The age at diagnosis for one 46,XX classic-type patient was unavailable. Age at diagnosis was available in 16 patients with C-LCAH-XX.
    Fig. 2. Pubertal status in classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia-XX patients. PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.
    Graphical abstract
    Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Korean Patients with Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: An Analysis of Data from the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) Cohort Study
    Characteristic Total XX
    XY
    Classic Classic Nonclassic
    No. of patients 31 17 (54.8) 12 (38.7) 2 (6.5)
    Sex, female/male 29/2 17/0 12/0 0/2
    Height Z-scorea 0.6 (–0.2 to 1.8) 0.6 (0.1 to 1.8) 0.4 (–0.8 to 1.1) 1.3, 1.8
    Weight Z-scorea –0.5 (–1.2 to –0.2) –0.5 (–0.8 to –0.2) –1.1 (–2.0 to 0.2) 1.5, 1.8
    Age at diagnosis, yra 0.1 (0.0 to 0.3) 0.1 (0.1 to 0.4) 0.1 (0.0 to 0.2) 1.6, 3.3
     Neonate (0–30 days) 12 6 6 0
     Infant (31–120 days) 11 6 5 0
     Infant (121–210 days) 5 4 1 0
     Infant (211–365 days) 0 0 0 0
     After infancy (>1 year) 2 0 0 2
    Salt-wasting crisis at diagnosis 17 (58.6) 9 (52.9) 8 (66.7) 0
    Presenting symptoms at diagnosis
     Skin pigmentation 22 (71.0) 13 (76.5) 7 (58.3) 2 (100.0)
     Lethargy 9 (29.0) 4 (23.5) 5 (41.7) 0
     Poor oral intake 9 (29.0) 6 (35.3) 3 (25.0) 0
     Vomiting 8 (25.8) 3 (17.6) 5 (41.7) 0
     Incidental electrolyte abnormalities 6 (19.4) 5 (29.4) 1 (8.3) 0
     Seizure 3 (9.7) 3 (17.6) 0 0
     Weight loss 2 (6.5) 1 (5.9) 1 (8.3) 0
     Hypertrichosis 1 (3.2) 1 (5.9) 0 0
     Hypoglycemia 1 (3.2) 0 1 (8.3) 0
     Difficulty maintaining body temperature 1 (3.2) 0 1 (8.3) 0
    STAR genotype
     p.Q258*/p.Q258* 27 (87.1) 15 (88.2) 12 (100.0) 0
     p.Q258*/p.Arg182His 1 (3.2) 1 (5.9) 0 0
     p.Q258*/p.Arg182Cys 1 (3.2) 1 (5.9) 0 0
     p.Q258*/p.Val187Met 1 (3.2) 0 0 1 (50.0)
     p.Ala218Val/p.Gly221Ser 1 (3.2) 0 0 1 (50.0)
    Biochemical data at diagnosis
     ACTH, pg/mLa 2,000.0 (757.6 to 4,399.6) 1,975.0 (602.5 to 2,200.0) 2,000.0 (915.1 to 5,515.2) 139.3, 8,101.7
     Cortisol, μg/dLa 1.5 (1.0 to 4.0) 1.6 (1.1 to 4.9) 1.4 (1.0 to 3.4) 0.8, 3.0
     Aldosterone, ng/dLa,b 8.8 (2.3 to 18.4) 12.4 (5.9 to 18.8) 3.3 (2.0 to 46.3) 0.1, 5.7
     Renin, ng/mL/hra 24.6 (13.9 to 39.4) 50.5 (11.3 to 60.3) 24.6 (21.0 to 37.0) 17.2, NA
     17OHP, ng/mLa 0.48 (0.09 to 0.82) 0.46 (0.08 to 0.68) 0.67 (0.24 to 1.98) 0.05, NA
     Sodium, mmol/La 133.0 (124.3 to 137.5) 134.0 (125.0 to 138.0) 128.0 (122.0 to 136.0) 135, 135
     Potassium, mmol/La 5.8 (4.9 to 7.4) 5.7 (4.9 to 6.0) 7.4 (5.2 to 9.1) 4.1, 4.3
     Glucose, mg/dLa 85.0 (74.5 to 106.0) 84.5 (77.3 to 86.8) 80.0 (57.0 to 115.0) 104.0, 108.5
    Initial medication
     Patients who received hydrocortisone 31 (100.0) 17 (100.0) 12 (100.0) 2 (100.0)
     Hydrocortisone dose, mg/m2/day 21.7 (14.9 to 26.5) 19.0 (14.2 to 23.4) 20.0 (14.9 to 34.2) 28.2, 36.2
     Patients who received fludrocortisone 30 (96.8) 17 (100.0) 12 (100.0) 1 (50.0)
     Fludrocortisone dosea, mg/day 0.1 (0.05 to 0.1) 0.1 (0.05 to 0.2) 0.1 (0.06 to 0.1) 0.05, NA
     Patients who received NaCl 13 (41.9) 7 (41.2) 6 (50.0) 0
    Characteristic Total XX
    XY
    Classic Classic Nonclassic
    No. of patients 31 17 12 2
    Sex, female/male 29/2 17/0 12/0 0/2
    Age at last follow-up, yr 11.6 (9.0 to 17.4) 12.5 (9.0 to 15.1) 11.6 (9.6 to 20.8) 6.1, 26.3
     0–9.9 11 6 4 1
     10–12.9 8 5 3 0
     13–14.9 3 2 1 0
     15–19.9 4 3 1 0
     20–27 5 1 3 1
    Gonadectomy 12 0 12 0
    Age at gonadectomy, yr 3.3 (1.3 to 6.4) NA 3.3 (1.3 to 6.4) NA
    Puberty
     Spontaneous puberty 12 11 NA 1
     Spontaneous puberty before 15 years of age (boys) and 13 years of age (girls) 11 10 NA 1
     Age at the start of thelarche or gonadarche, yr 11.5 (9.4 to 12.5) 11.0 (8.2 to 12.2) NA 10.56
     LH, mIU/mLa 3.5 (1.0 to 9.5) 2.3 (0.4 to 7.1) 13.2 (6.7 to 18.0) 2.29
     FSH, mIU/mLa 5.0 (3.07 to 29.3) 3.3 (2.8 to 4.6) 52.3 (39.6 to 57.4) 2.99
     Estrogen replacement 6 1 6 NA
     Age at the start of estrogen, yr 11.6 (11.0 to 16.3) 19.9 11.6 (11.0 to 16.3) NA
     Spontaneous menarche 5 5 NA NA
     Age at menarche, yr 12.4 (11.9 to 13.2) 12.4 (11.9 to 13.2) NA NA
     Regular menstruation 2 2 NA NA
    At last follow-up
     Height Z-score at last follow-upa –0.5 (–1.4 to 0.3) –1.2 (–1.5 to 0.0) 0.2 (–1.0 to 0.6) –0.5, NA
     Weight Z-score at last follow-upa 0.3 (–1.0 to 1.0) 0.0 (–1.0 to 0.9) 0.4 (–1.0 to 2.5) 0.1, NA
     BMI Z-score at last follow-upa 0.6 (–0.1 to 1.6) 0.6 (–0.6 to 1.2) 0.7 (0.5 to 2.2) 0.7, NA
    Normal weight/overweight/obesity 16/6/6 9/4/2 6/2/4 1/0/0
    ACTH, pg/mLa 220.2 (39.8 to 1,805.5) 346.9 (39.8 to 2,000.0) 197.25 (48.8 to 1,433.8) 13.1, 47.2
    Cortisol, μg/dLa 2.7 (2.7 to 17.6) 2.1 (0.3 to 18.7) 2.7 (2.1 to 2.7) 16.2, 18.9
    Aldosterone, ng/dLa,b 1.4 (1.2 to 3.0) 2.1 (1.2 to 31.8) 1.2 (0.9 to 1.2) 3.0, NA
    Renin, ng/mL/hra 3.8 (0.5 to 15.0) 2.1 (0.5 to 15.9) 3.14 (1.3 to 14.1) 4.4, 8.2
    Medication
     Hydrocortisone dose, mg/m2a 17.3 (13.9 to 22.7) 17.4 (13.4 to 24.1) 15.6 (13.7 to 18.7) 29.5, NA
     Fludrocortisone dose, mg 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2) 0.1 (0.1 to 0.1) 0.1 (0.1 to 0.2) 0.05, NA
     Growth hormone 6 4 2 0
     GnRH agonistc 2 2 0 0
    At reaching adult height
     Patients who reached adult height 8 3 4 1
     Adult height Z-score 0.1 (–0.9 to 1.2) –0.8 (–1.0 to 0.2) 0.9 (–0.3 to 1.4) 0.1
     Weight Z-score 0.5 (0.2 to 1.1) 0.2 (0.2 to 1.1) 0.6 (–0.2 to 0.9) 0.6
     BMI Z-score 0.7 (0.3 to 1.7) 0.6 (0.1 to 1.8) 1.0 (–0.2 to 1.5) 0.7
     Normal weight/overweight/obesity 5/1/2 2/0/1 2/1/1 1/0/0
    Reference Total No. of C-LCAH-XX Age at diagnosis Breast budding, yr Menarche, yr Fertility Ovarian dysfunction Final adult height SDS
    This study 31 17 (54.8) 0.10 years (0.06–0.35) 11.0 (8.2–12.2) 12.4 (11.9–13.2) NA 3/8 Diagnosed with unilateral ovarian cysts –0.8 (–1.0 to 0.2)
    1 Patient on OC
    Ishii et al. (2020) [6] 57 16 (28.1) 0.0 years (0.0–0.9) 9.5 (9.0–10.3) 11.8 (10.0–13.0) NA 3/8 Adult ovariectomy or cystectomy by age 23 (21–40) –0.5 (including NC-LCAH patients)
    4 Patients on OC
    Khoury et al. (2016) [27] 2 1 (50.0) 4.5 months 11 14 Pregnancy and delivery with clomiphene and progesterone Regular menstruation with no dysmenorrhea Similar to MPH
    Sertedaki et al. (2013) [19] 5 3 (60.0) 8 months 9 12 Pregnancy with IVF and successful delivery Ovarian cystectomy at age 20 on OC, Irregular menstruation –0.6
    2 months
    2 months 11 13 NA Ovarian cyst at age 19.5 on OC –0.2
    20 days 13 14.5 NA Ovarian cyst at age 13 on OC –1.7
    Jin et al. (2011) [26] 1 1 (100.0) 13 days 10 12 NA Ovarian torsion at age 14 NA
    Irregular menstruation after age 14
    Shima et al. (2000) [25] 3 3 (100.0) 4 months 9 10 NA Ovarian cyst at age 11 NA
    Irregular menstruation from age 11
    3 days 12 13 NA Ovarian cyst at age 23 NA
    1 month 14 15 NA Regular menstruation NA
    Tanae et al. (2000) [28] 3 3 (100.0) 45 days 11 12 NA Ovarian cyst diagnosed at age 15 on OC NA
    30 days 14 15 NA Irregular menstruation after age 18, ovarian cyst (–) NA
    3 days 12 13 NA Ovarian cyst diagnosed at age 23 Regular menstruation NA
    Reference Age at diagnosis, yr External genitalia Puberty Fertility Final adult height
    NC-LCAH-XY
     This study 1.6–3.3 Typical male 10.56–NA Normal gonadotropin level at age 26 0.1–NA
     Ishii et al. (2020) [6] 4.0 (0.0–9.7) Unilateral cryptorchidism in #2 patient 11.3–11.6 #1. Normal semen analysis –0.5 (including C-LCAH patients)
    #2. Oligospermia and testicular hypoplasia
     Zhang et al. (2021) [14] NA Typical male 10 NA 0.9 SD
    6 months Micropenis NA NA NA
     Ishii et al. (2019) [29] 1 Typical male NA Normal gonadal function, semen analysis at age 35 159.1 cm (MPH data NA)
    4 Cryptorchidism 11.6 Testis microcalcification, normal testosterone 170.6 cm (MPH data NA)
    5 hours Typical male 11.3 Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in adulthood 152.2 cm (MPH data NA)
     Fluck et al. (2011) [10] 10 months Typical male 11.5 Normal gonadal function and inhibin at age 29 FAH lower than MPH
     Sahakitrungruang et al. (2010) [30] 4 Typical male NA NA NA
    Hypospadias
    3 months Micropenis, small testis, severe hypospadias Required androgen replacement Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in adulthood 185 cm
    3.5 months Micropenis NA NA NA
    Cryptorchidism
     Metherell et al. (2009) [32] 5 NA NA Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism at age 36 NA
    Testicular atrophy
    Vacuolated Sertoli cells
    6 Typical male 12 NA NA
    NA Typical male 12 NA NA
    3 hypospadias Normal Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism at age 28 NA
    Normal semen analysis
    NC-LCAH-XX
     Ishii et al. (2020) [6] Typical female Thelarche: 11.0 years (10.3–13.0) 3 patients delivered children without progesterone –0.45 (including C-LCAH patients)
    Menarche: 13.8 years (12.0–15.8) No sex hormone replacement
     Hatabu et al. (2019) [31] 4 Typical female Thelarche age 10 Natural pregnancy and delivery without progesterone therapy NA
    Menarche age 13
    Infancy Typical female Thelarche age 11 Endometriosis in early 20s NA
    Menarche age 14 Pregnancy with clomiphene induction without progesterone
    4 Typical female Menarche age 14 Regular menstruation NA
    6 Typical female Thelarche age 10 Regular menstruation NA
    Menarche age 12
     Metherell et al. (2009) [32] 2 NA NA Delivered 2 children NA
     Zhang et al. (2021) [14] 2 years 10 months Typical female NA NA NA
     Fluck et al. (2011) [10] 1 year 2 months Typical female Thelarche age 12 Regular menstruation FAH similar to MPH
    Menarche age 14
     Metherell et al. (2009) [32] 12 Typical female Menarche 12 Regular menstruation NA
    Table 1. Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Patients with LCAH at Diagnosis

    Values are expressed as number (%) or median (interquartile range). Sex was classified according to phenotypic sex.

    LCAH, lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; STAR, steroidogenic acute regulatory; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; 17OHP, 17-hydroxyprogesterone; NA, not applicable.

    Missing values; height Z-score (n=5), weight Z-score (n=3), age at diagnosis (n=1), ACTH (n=6), cortisol (n=7), aldosterone (n=15), renin (n=11), 17OHP (n=10), sodium (n=3), potassium (n=3), glucose (n=10), hydrocortisone dose (n=6), fludrocortisone dose (n=2);

    Aldosterone values should be interpreted with respect to pediatric reference ranges (ng/dL): term infants—3 days, 4–184 (mean 95); 1 week, 5–175 (mean 46); 1–12 months, 5–90 (mean 31); children—1–2 years, 7–54 (mean 28); 2–10 years, 5–80 (mean 28, upright); and 10–15 years, 4–48 (mean 20, upright).

    Table 2. Clinical Characteristics of Patients with LCAH at the Last Follow-up

    Values are expressed as median (interquartile range). Sex was classified according to phenotypic sex.

    LCAH, lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; NA, not applicable; LH, luteinizing hormone; FSH, follicle stimulating hormone; BMI, body mass index; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; GnRH, gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

    Missing values; LH (n=21), FSH (n=21), height Z-score (n=3), weight Z-score (n=3), BMI Z-score (n=3), ACTH (n=3), cortisol (n=17), aldosterone (n=22), renin (n=9), hydrocortisone dose (n=2);

    Aldosterone values should be interpreted with respect to pediatric reference ranges (ng/dL): term infants—3 days, 4–184 (mean 95); 1 week, 5–175 (mean 46); 1–12 months, 5–90 (mean 31); children—1–2 years, 7–54 (mean 28); 2–10 years, 5–80 (mean 28, upright); 10–15 years, 4–48 (mean 20, upright), and adult, 7-30 (mean 13, upright);

    GnRH agonist treatment was administered to two patients, all of whom were girls aged between 8 and 9 years at the commencement of the treatment.

    Table 3. Previous Reports of Puberty Outcomes in C-LCAH-XX Patients

    Values are expressed as median (interquartile range).

    C-LCAH, classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; SDS, standard deviation score; NA, not available; OC, oral contraceptive; NC-LCAH, nonclassic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; MPH, mid-parental height; IVF, in vitro fertilization.

    Table 4. Previous Reports of Puberty Outcomes in NC-LCAH Patients

    Values are expressed as interquartile range and/or individual values.

    NC-LCAH, nonclassic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; NA, not available; C-LCAH, classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia; SD, standard deviation; MPH, mid-parental height; FAH, final adult height.


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