Dexamethasone for post-operative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis in cesarean delivery and a delayed diagnosis of neonatal congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) occurs in 1 in 10 000-20 000 births, with approximately 95% of the cases due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.1 Congenital adrenal hyperplasia results in decreased glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid production with excess adrenal sex steroids. Untreated, it can result in salt wasting, failure to thrive, and potentially fatal adrenal crisis. The 46,XX infants present with virilized genitalia, ranging from clitoromegaly and/or labial fusion to development of a full phallus, thus raising suspicion for CAH upon initial examination.
Source: International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research