The Leo Fung Center for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Disorders of Sex Development Pediatric Clinic opened here in 2005 and today offers treatment for these complex and rare disorders.
Overview
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and make hormones such as cortisol (a stress hormone), aldosterone (a salt retaining hormone), and sex hormones (such as testosterone and estrogen). During periods of physical stress (illness, trauma, broken bones), our body needs to make extra cortisol. Inability to make extra cortisol, such as in congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Addison’s disease, can be life threatening. When we make or receive too much cortisol it may result in Cushing’s syndrome, which causes a child to be overweight, slow growth, have stretch marks, and high blood sugar levels.
Our approach
Specialists at the M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital have a national reputation for the treatment of children with adrenal disorders. Our full range of care, coupled with leading-edge research, results in superior outcomes for children receiving treatment at the university.
The Leo Fung Center for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Disorders of Sex Development Pediatric Clinic opened here in 2005 and today offers treatment for these complex and rare disorders. It was the first clinic in the United States in which providers from many specialties work together in a single clinic location to care for patients with these disorders. Adults are seen in the similarly-constructed Empower Clinic in the Women's Health Specialists Clinic.