%0 Journal Article
%T Ambiguous genitalia: Two decades of experience
%A Al-Jurayyan Nasir
%J Annals of Saudi Medicine
%D 2011
%I King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
%X Background and Objectives: Ambiguous genitalia is a complex, medical and social emergency. The aim of this study is to present our experience over two decades, focusing on the pattern and clinical presentation. Design and Setting: A retrospective study conducted in the pediatric endocrine clinic at a university hospital Saudi Arabia during the period 1989-2008. Patients and Methods: Medical records of children with ambiguous genitalia were reviewed and the genitalia described. Results: Of the 81 children with ambiguous genitalia, 53 (65.4%) patients were genetically females (46XX), with congenital adrenal hyperplasia being the common cause in 51 (96.5%) patients. Hyperpigmentation, variable degrees of salt wasting and a family history of a similar problem helped in diagnosis. Male genetic sex (46XY) was present in only 28 (34.6%) patients with a diversity of causes; multiple congenital anomalies in 9 (32.1%), local anorectal anomalies in 2 (7.1%), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (3-¦Â-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency) in 2 (7.14%), 5-¦Á-reductase deficiency in 4 (14.28%), partial androgen insensitivity in 3 (10.7%), complete androgen insensitivity in 4 (14.28%), and hypogonadotrophin deficiency in 4 (14.3%).Twenty-five (47.2%) of females were wrongly assigned as males, where only two (7.1%) males were wrongly assigned as females. Conclusion: Ambiguous genitalia, currently termed disorders of sex development (DSD), is not uncommon in our community. Increased awareness, a detailed history, and a careful physical examination, coupled with appropriate laboratory and radiological investigations aid in early diagnosis and avoid serious sequelae.
%U http://www.saudiannals.net/article.asp?issn=0256-4947;year=2011;volume=31;issue=3;spage=284;epage=288;aulast=Al-Jurayyan