Growth Assessment and Nutritional Status in Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia – A Cross-Sectional Study from a Vietnamese Tertiary Pediatric Center

Background/Objectives: Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) face significant risks of impaired growth and metabolic disturbances despite standard glucocorticoid therapy. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate growth outcomes, nutritional status, and associated factors among children with CAH treated in a Viet-namese tertiary pediatric center. Methods: We assessed 201 children aged 1.1–16.5 years in a tertiary pediatric center in Vietnam for anthropometric parameters, biochemical markers (calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D), and clinical features. Growth status was evaluated using WHO standards, and bone age was assessed radiographically. Statistical analyses explored associations between growth outcomes and clinical, bio-chemical, and treatment-related factors. Results: Stunting was present in 16.4% of chil-dren, while 53.3% were overweight or obese. Bone age advancement occurred in 51.7% of cases. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was detected in 85.6%, and hypocalcemia in 95% of patients. Overweight/obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and bone age advancement were associated with older age, prolonged corticosteroid therapy, higher androgen levels, and clinical features of treatment imbalance (e.g., Cushingoid appearance, hyperpig-mentation). Female sex was significantly associated with higher rates of stunting. Con-clusions: Growth impairment, nutritional deficiencies, and skeletal maturation dis-turbances are prevalent among children with CAH in Vietnam. Early identification of risk factors and tailored management strategies addressing both endocrine and nutritional health are crucial for optimizing long-term outcomes.