Success of glucocorticoid replacement therapy on fertility in two adult males with 21-CAH homozygote classic form

A normal gonadal maturation with normal fertility are some of the major goals of long-term replacement therapy in adult males with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). We describe here two young men, G.O. (case A, 23 years old) and S.S.(case B, 24 years old), both with a well defined diagnosis of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency classic homozygote form (21-CAH). In case A the diagnosis of the 21-CAH classic virilizing form was made at 3 years of age. The patient has undergone glucocorticoid therapy and is now 170 cm tall; all his hormonal findings are within the normal range. The semen analysis has shown a good fertility potential, with a slight modification when the patient decided to discontinue the therapy. In case B the diagnosis of the 21-CAH salt wasting form was performed at 9 days of age. The patient was initially treated with iv normal saline solution and a daily im injection of hydrocortisone and, subsequently, with mineral and glucocorticoid replacement therapy po. A satisfactory adult stature (165 cm) was attained. The patient is still on therapy, with a good hormonal profile. The semen analysis has shown an apparently normal fertility. In conclusion, our experience in adult males with 21-CAH, who have been administered prompt and adequate replacement therapy, shows that these patients can attain normal quality of life, satisfactory growth and development, normal sexual maturation and activity, and adequate sperm fertilizing ability, thereby supporting the usefulness of continuing this therapy during adult age.