CAH can lead to imbalance in the body's concentration of salts which, in turn, can rapidly result in shock and death. CAH can also cause excessive masculinization in both males and females and, if not adequately treated, significant growth and developmental abnormalities. It occurs in about 1 in every 16,000 infants. In 1999, one infant was detected with this disorder.
Treatment consists of providing cortisol to normalize hormone production.
Proper treatment prevents death, stops the masculinization process, and prevents developmental and growth abnormalities. Affected females may require surgical correction of masculinized genitalia.