Objective: To report 15 new menarcheal women affected with nonclassical 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (nonclassical 3 beta-HSD) and evaluation of glucocorticoid therapy in treated patients.
Design: Diagnosis of these new patients using a standard adrenocorticotropin test. Effects of glucocorticoid therapy on clinical hormonal and sonographic features of each patient are appreciated for periods varying between 4 months and 7 1/2 years.
Setting: All at The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. The Pediatric Endocrinology Ambulatory Service; the Children's Clinical Research Center Core Laboratories; and the Department of Radiology.
Patients, participants: Fifteen menarcheal women (14 to 30 years of age) newly diagnosed and 10 women previously diagnosed were evaluated for symptoms of hyperandrogenism and/or irregular menses.
Main outcome measure(s): Positive effect of glucocorticoid therapy on signs and symptoms, hormonal levels, and ovarian imaging.
Results: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is noted in approximately half the cases. Glucocorticoid treatment greater than 3 months duration results in a reversal of symptoms in most cases.