At puberty, the testes are small. Some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia are more severe and cause adrenal crisis in the newborn due to salt wasting. In the salt-losing form of adrenogenital syndrome, newborn infants develop symptoms shortly after birth. These include vomiting , dehydration , electrolyte changes, and cardiac arrhythmias . Untreated, this condition can lead to death within 9 to 14 days after the infant's birth.
Prenatal diagnosis is available for some forms of adrenogenital syndrome.
It is accomplished in the first trimester by chorionic villus sampling and in the second trimester by measuring hormones such as 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the amniotic fluid. This test is not yet widely available. This is achieved by daily administration of dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone. Reconstructive surgery for girls with masculine external genitalia is usually performed between the ages of 1 and 3, and can correct the abnormal appearance. Parents of children with this disorder need instruction on the side effects of steroid therapy.