ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) determination in dried filter paper blood samples from patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. It was hypothesized that these home samples would enhance patient treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Results of 17OHP determination in simultaneously collected venous and dried filter paper blood samples were compared to establish assay reliability. Thereafter, parents mailed dried filter paper blood samples collected before each hydrocortisone dose. RESULTS: The 17OHP levels in wet and dried blood samples correlated well (r = 0.98). Results did not change when stored for 2 weeks under various conditions. Blood sampling at different times of the day provided insights into the patterns of 17OHP secretion and identified times of inadequate adrenal suppression. Dose adjustments were then made considering the time of day when adrenal suppression was inadequate. CONCLUSION: Home monitoring of 17OHP is a reliable and practical approach for assessing adrenal steroid activity in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Considering the time of day of 17OHP elevations also facilitates hydrocortisone dosing adjustment.