Prenatal steroid for CAH: safe for the brain? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT02795871

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study evaluates the long-term cognitive development of children who were exposed to dexamethasone (a steroid) while in the womb because they were at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The goal is to see if the drug causes any thinking or memory problems. Researchers will compare children with and without CAH who were or were not exposed to the drug, using IQ and memory tests.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

dexamethasone (a steroid given during pregnancy)

What this could lead to

If results show no harm, it could support the cautious use of prenatal dexamethasone to prevent genital virilization in girls with CAH, reducing the need for surgery.

What could go wrong

This is an observational follow-up study, not a new treatment trial. Previous studies have shown conflicting results on cognitive risks, and the small sample size may limit conclusions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

congenital adrenal hyperplasia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Groupement Hospitalier Est - Laboratoire d'endocrinologie moléculaire et maladies rares - Centre de biologie et de pathologie Est. 59 boulevard Pinel

    Bron, 69677, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHRU de Lille

    Lille, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHU de Besançon

    Besançon, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHU de Bordeaux

    Bordeaux, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHU de Grenoble

    Grenoble, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHU de Nantes

    Nantes, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHU de Nice

    Nice, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, CHU de Reims

    Reims, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hopital de la Timone, APHM

    Marseille, France

  • Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, AP-HP

    Paris, France