[Medroxyprogesterone acetate. Contributive treatment in congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency in children].

Among 59 children presenting with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency observed between 1976 and 1982, 12 (9 males, 3 females) aged 3 1/2 to 12 years, were treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) associated with the usual glucocorticoid and eventually mineralo-corticoid treatment. There were two indications: precocious puberty after the onset of the gluco-mineralo-corticoid treatment; Unbalanced biological status with advancement of bone maturation. After the onset of MPA, a decrease in plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP) and testosterone levels is observed, the bone maturation speed decreases when growth in height continues. MPA may be a contributive treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, permitting restoration of biological balance by restraining adrenal function and improving the final height prognosis.