Abstract
A sem-quantitative method for steroid determinations in a 0.5 ml plasma sample has been evaluated for the rapid (4–6 hr) diagnosis of CAH. Pet ether, benzene and methylene chloride extracts of plasma are quantitated by competitive protein binding using 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), 11-deoxycortisol (cmpd S), and cortisol standards, respectively, for comparison. The observed plasma steroid concentrations are expressed as a ratio of “17-OHP” + “cmpd S” to “cortisol” since comparison of ratios, rather than absolute values, has been found to differentiate normals from patients more clearly.
Plasma samples have been obtained from six normal children aged 4 days–7 yrs following administration of ACTH, from six adults with 11-hydroxylation impaired by the administration of metyrapone, and from three children aged 11 mos, 6 yrs and 8 years with CAH due to deficient 21-hydroxylation (five samples). The raios of “17-OHP” + “cmpd S” to “cortisol” for the respective groups have been determined:
These preliminary results suggest usefulness of the procedure for rapidly ascertaining the presence or absence of the common variants of CAH, although further data from both normals and patients will be required for confirmation.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Franks, R., Sweeney, M. Rapid diagnosis of congential adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) by plasma steroid determinations. Pediatr Res 5, 400 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00121
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00121
