CAH
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Congenital adrenal hyperplasia |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical |
CAH has two meanings. It stands for Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (endocrinology & diabetes) or Critical access hospital (hospital).
Meanings of CAH at a glance
| # | CAH stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Congenital adrenal hyperplasia | Medical › Endocrinology & Diabetes |
| 2 | Critical access hospital | Medical › Hospital |
1. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Medical · Endocrinology & Diabetes Abbreviations
Group of inherited enzyme defects in cortisol synthesis, about 95 percent from 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Low cortisol drives high ACTH and adrenal overproduction of androgens, which can cause atypical genitalia in female newborns, salt-wasting crises and early puberty.
Example: Newborn screen 17-OHP markedly elevated, sodium 128: salt-wasting CAH, start hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone.
All US states include CAH on newborn screening, measuring 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Milder "nonclassic" CAH presents later with acne, excess hair and irregular periods, mimicking PCOS. Patients need stress-dose steroids during illness. Inheritance is autosomal recessive.
2. Critical access hospital
Medical · Hospital Abbreviations
US Medicare designation for small rural hospitals that keep no more than 25 inpatient beds and, generally, an average stay of 96 hours or less, and are located far from other hospitals. They receive cost-based reimbursement.
Example: Stabilized at CAH, transferred by air to level I trauma center.
Created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to keep rural hospitals open. Most must be more than 35 miles from another hospital, or 15 miles in mountainous terrain or areas with only secondary roads. Medicare pays them about 101 percent of reasonable costs rather than fixed rates.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- ADH – Antidiuretic hormone
- AI – Adrenal insufficiency
- AID – Automated insulin delivery
- AVP-D – Arginine vasopressin deficiency
- CGM – Continuous glucose monitor
- CS – Cushing's syndrome
- CSII – Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
- DFU – Diabetic foot ulcer
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
More hospital abbreviations
- AOD – Administrator on duty
- ASC – Ambulatory surgery center
- BBP – Bloodborne pathogens
- BHU – Behavioral health unit
- CAUTI – Catheter-associated urinary tract infection
- CCRC – Continuing care retirement community
- CCU – Critical care unit
- CDU – Clinical decision unit
See all 89 hospital abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.