Clinical Trial: Examining Genetic Differences Among People With 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Modifier Genes in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Brief Summary: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder that affects the amount of steroids that the body forms. The most common form of CAH is 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), which leads to cortisol deficiency. This, in turn, causes the development of mature masculine characteristics in newborn, prepubescent, and grown females and in prepubescent males. 21OHD is known to be caused by the mutation of a specific gene. However, symptom severity among people with 21OHD varies, and adults seem to be less affected than children. This study will examine participants' DNA to determine what other genes may affect the severity of 21OHD and may make the disease milder in adults than in children.

Detailed Summary:

CAH is a genetic steroidogenesis disorder. The most common form, 21OHD, leads to cortisol deficiency and, in turn, an excess of androgen, a hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics. As a result of this androgen excess, prepubescent males and newborn, prepubescent, and grown females exhibit mature masculine characteristics. The symptoms and severity of 21OHD vary among individuals with the disease and in adults versus children. The reasons for these differences are not yet known. Current therapy for 21OHD consists of administration of glucocorticoids to replace cortisol and suppress excessive pituitary function. With more information about what genes or factors contribute to the severity of 21OHD, researchers may be able to better treat children and adults with the disease. This study will examine participants' DNA to determine what other genes may affect the severity of 21OHD and may make the disease milder in adults than in children.

People interested in participating in this 3-day inpatient study will first undergo a physical exam and provide a blood sample to determine eligibility. Eligible participants will be admitted to the study site in the morning on the first study day. A blood sample will be taken and participants will receive one 10-mg pill of hydrocortisone. Heart rates and blood pressures will be taken every 4 hours throughout the day. In the morning of Day 2, a blood sample will be taken and participants will be asked to urinate in the toilet. After this point and until the end of the study, participants will collect all urine in a jug. On the morning of Day 3, participants will complete urine collection and a blood sample will be taken. Participants will then receive intravenously a medicine called cosyntropin, a synthetic form of a hormone that the body makes. About 1 hour after this, participants will provide a fin
Sponsor: Maria I. New

Current Primary Outcome: Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone/cortisol ratio [ Time Frame: After cosyntropin administration ]

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome: Many other serum and urine steroids, metabolites, and precursors [ Time Frame: Before and after cosyntropin administration ]

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Dates:
Date Received: October 10, 2007
Date Started: August 2007
Date Completion:
Last Updated: December 10, 2015
Last Verified: December 2015