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. 2025 Jun 16;15(12):1534.
doi: 10.3390/diagnostics15121534.

Growth Assessment and Nutritional Status in Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-A Cross-Sectional Study from a Vietnamese Tertiary Pediatric Center

Thi Thuy Hong Nguyen  1 , Khanh Minh Le  1 , Thi Anh Thuong Tran  1   2 , Khanh Ngoc Nguyen  1   2 , Thi Bich Ngoc Can  1   2 , Phuong Thao Bui  2 , Dat Tien Tran  1 , Chi Dung Vu  1   2
Affiliations

Growth Assessment and Nutritional Status in Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-A Cross-Sectional Study from a Vietnamese Tertiary Pediatric Center

Thi Thuy Hong Nguyen et al. Diagnostics (Basel). .

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) face significant risks of impaired growth and metabolic disturbances despite standard glucocorticoid therapy. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate growth outcomes, nutritional status, and associated factors among children with CAH treated in a Vietnamese tertiary pediatric center. Methods: We assessed 201 children aged 1.1-16.5 years in a tertiary pediatric center in Vietnam for anthropometric parameters, biochemical markers (calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D), and clinical features. Growth status was evaluated using WHO standards, and bone age was assessed radiographically. Statistical analyses explored associations between growth outcomes and clinical, biochemical, and treatment-related factors. Results: Stunting was present in 16.4% of children, while 53.3% were overweight or obese. Bone age advancement occurred in 51.7% of cases. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was detected in 85.6% of patients, and hypocalcemia was present in 85.1%. Overweight/obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and bone age advancement were associated with older age, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, higher androgen levels, and clinical features of treatment imbalance (e.g., Cushingoid appearance, hyperpigmentation). Female sex was significantly associated with higher rates of stunting. Conclusions: Growth impairment, nutritional deficiencies, and skeletal maturation disturbances are prevalent among children with CAH in Vietnam. Early identification of risk factors and the implementation of tailored management strategies that address both endocrine and nutritional health are crucial for optimizing long-term outcomes.

Keywords: CAH; Vietnamese children; bone age; calcium deficiency; congenital adrenal hyperplasia; glucocorticoid treatment; growth; obesity; vitamin D deficiency.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Geographic distribution of the CAH patient population (n = 201).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphate status.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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