Abstract

Background: X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia (CAH) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the NR0B1 (DAX-1) gene. Non-classical manifestations have been described, including late-onset adrenal insufficiency (AI) and gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty (GIPP). We report long-term endocrine and neuropsychiatric outcomes of two siblings with CAH due to mutation in NR0B1.Case report: A 2-yr-old boy was referred due to progressive clinical signs of puberty since 6 months of age. At the age of 3 yr, AI was diagnosed, and the molecular analysis revealed a mutation in the NR0B1 (p.Cys65Leufs*6). Glucocorticoid replacement resulted in reduced testicular volume and decreased testosterone levels. At 11 yr, cyproterone acetate was indicated due to pubertal progression and bone age advancement. At 17 yr the patient had incomplete sexual development and no pubarche. Testosterone levels declined, despite pubertal levels of basal and GnRH-stimulated gonadotropin levels, indicating partial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Adult height was 156 cm (SDS: -2.7) within his target height of 161 cm (SDS: -2.1). This patient also presented a psychiatric diagnosis of mood disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and was under methylphenidate, topiramate and sertraline. Both the patient and his mother had SNP array performed, which excluded contiguous gene syndrome. His younger brother also harbored the same mutation in the NR0B1, confirmed shortly after birth. AI was diagnosed with 1 month of age. Cortisone acetate and fludrocortisone were initiated. At 11 months of age, he presented signs of pubertal development with an elevated ACTH and testosterone levels with suppressed gonadotropins, confirming the diagnosis of GIPP. He was treated with cyproterone acetate. At 8 yr, a pubertal response to the GnRH test was detected, and leuprorelin was added. At 9 yr, due to the low growth velocity and advanced bone age, rhGH was started. However, this patient presented a poor compliance and severe obesity (BMI 33 kg/m2). Treatment for GIPP and secondary CPP was stopped at 10 yr, with bone age of 13.5 yr and height of 151 cm (SDS: - 2.3). The diagnosis of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder was made after neuropsychiatric assessment and the patient received treatment with methylphenidate and sertraline. Conclusion: Pubertal development of patients with CAH due to NR0B1 mutations can be heterogeneous. However, the intriguing neuropsychiatric features in two siblings may suggest a role of NR0B1 in neuropsychological development or other still unknown underlying genetic defect.

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