[Renin-angiotensin and hypophyseo-adrenal systems in children suffering from congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia resulting from 21-hydroxylase deficiency].

A study was made of the activity of plasma renin (APR), and the blood levels of ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and aldosterone (A) in 50 children suffering from congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia as a result of 21-hydroxylase deficiency; 38 girls and 12 boys aged 1.5 mos. to 14 years were divided into 2 groups: (1) 35 with a salt losing type of disease; (2) 15 with a common virile type of disease. ARP in the 1st group did not exceed the control values and was unaccompanied by adequate secretion of A. Moderate ARP in parallel with a high level of A was noted in the 2nd group. Mineral corticoid therapy resulted in reduced ARP and A concentration, and a tendency to a decrease in the levels of ACTH and 17-OHP was noted. Variations in ARP and in the level of A did not manifest themselves clinically and were unaccompanied by electrolytic disorders. In the authors' opinion, a choice of adequate therapy for both types of disease must be based on the results of investigation of the above hormonal parameters.