Congenital hypoaldosteronism. Thirteen year follow-up in identical twins.

Identical male twins suffering from congenital hypoaldosteronism due to a rare adrenal enzyme deficiency between corticosterone and aldosterone were followed-upfrom birth till their present age of 13 years. The symptoms of salt loss disappeared and normal growth rate resumed following treatment with DOCA and salt supplementation. Discontinuation of mineralocorticoid administration at the age of 7 years resulted during a 5-year period in a marked decline in their growth rate. Labororatory data revealed a persistent, albeit less pronounced, metabolic impairment. Mineralocorticoid administration was resumed and the twins entered normal puberty and increased their growth rate, emphasizing their need for continued mineralocorticoid administration to maintain adequate growth rate and development.