Prevalence of nephrocalcinosis in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of nephrocalcinosis (NC) among children with diagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Our findings would be helpful for earlier diagnosis, management, and prevention of NC‑related complications.

In this cross‑sectional study, children with CAH, aged <18 years old who were regularly referred for follow‑up, were included. The information of the patients was extracted from their medical files, and they underwent renal ultrasonography for evaluation of the presence of NC.

From 120 studied patients with CAH, four patients (3.3%) had NC. The prevalence of NC was higher in males than females (P = 0.05). Mean age and age of CAH diagnosis had a trend to be lower in CAH patients with NC than those without. Regression analysis indicated significant association between NC and sex (P = 0.027, r = 2.24).

The results of this study indicated a 3.3% prevalence rate of NC for children with CAH. NC had a trend to be more prevalent in male children with CAH. Though it was not significantly different but given that the mean age and age at diagnosis of CAH in children with CAH and NC was lower that CAH patients without NC, it is suggested that in patients with CAH and NC other factors such as genetic background or unknown disease related factors are associated with hypercalcemia and NC.