Diurnal 11-ketotestosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone saliva profiles in paediatric classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: The most suitable biochemical markers for therapy adjustment in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are controversial. 11-Oxygenated androgens are a promising new approach. The objective of this study was to investigate the diurnal rhythm of 11-ketotestosterone in children and adolescents in saliva and to correlate it with salivary 17-hydroxyprogesterone. METHODS: Fifty-one samples of steroid day-profiles from 17 patients were additionally analysed for 11-ketotestosterone, retrospectively. All patients were treated in our university outpatient clinic for paediatric endocrinology between 2020 and 2022. Steroid day-profiles of 17 patients could be examined. The cohort showed a balanced sex ratio. The median age was 13 years. The measurements for 17-hydroxyprogesterone were carried out during routine care by immunoassay. The measurements of 11-ketotestosterone were performed from frozen saliva samples using an implemented in-house protocol for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most important outcome were the absolute values for 11-ketotestosterone, their diurnal rhythmicity and the correlation with 17-hydroxyprogesterone. RESULTS: Both steroids show a circadian diurnal rhythm. 17-hydroxyprogesterone and 11-ketotestosterone correlate significantly. 11-Ketotestosterone showed a positive correlation with BMI at all times of the day. CONCLUSIONS: 11-Ketotestosterone shows circadian rhythmicity in our cohort and correlates with 17-hydroxyprogesterone. These findings serve as an important basis for prospective research into 11-oxygenated androgens as therapeutic markers in paediatrics. However, 11-ketotestosterone appears to be very dependent on BMI.

Steroid Profiling in the Amniotic Fluid: Reference Range for 12 Steroids and Interest in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency.

CONTEXT: Determination of steroid levels in the amniotic fluid gives some insight on fetal adrenal and gonadal functions. OBJECTIVE: Our objectives were to establish reference ranges of 12 steroid levels throughout pregnancy and to compare them with steroid levels from pregnancies with fetuses presenting with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). METHODS: Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to 145 "control" amniotic fluid samples from gynecology activity (12 + 6 to 32 + 4 gestational weeks, GW). The following steroids were analyzed according to gestational age and compared to 23 amniotic fluid samples from fetuses with classic 21OHD confirmed by molecular studies: delta-4-androstenedione (D4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 11-deoxycortisol (11OH), 21-deoxycortisol (21OH), corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone (DOC), testosterone, pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17Pregn), cortisol, and cortisone. Chromosomal sex was determined by karyotype and gestational age by biometric measurements. RESULTS: Analysis of control samples showed a statistically significant difference for D4 and testosterone levels according to fetal sex. Cortisol, corticosterone, and DOC had lower concentrations before 20 GW than after 20 GW, whereas 17Pregn and pregnenolone had higher concentrations before 20 GW. This allowed us to establish age- and sex-dependent reference values. We observed higher 21OH, 17Pregn, D4, and testosterone levels in females with 21OHD than female controls. The ratios 17OHP/17Pregn, D4/DHEA, and 11OH/17OHP appeared discriminant for the diagnosis of 21OHD. CONCLUSION: Our study provides information on fetal steroidogenesis and suggests reference values for 12 steroids during pregnancy. This allows a prenatal diagnosis of 21OHD within 24 hours and might be useful in the diagnosis of other variations of sex development.

Steroid profile in dried blood spots by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Application to newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in China.

BACKGROUND: Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) using 17-hydroxyprogesterone dissociation-enhanced, lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay (DELFIA) generates a large number of false-positive results. The present study aimed to improve the sensitivity of the CAH neonatal screening by including second-tier steroid profiling in dried blood spots (DBS) using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS: We developed and validated a LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of six steroids in DBS, including androstenedione, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, and cortisol. Two 5-mm blood spots were eluted by internal standard working solution. We analyzed 1170 DBS samples from neonates to determine gestational age-specific reference intervals. In order to test the specificity of the second-tier method, we analyzed 707 cards with a positive screening by DELFIA. RESULTS: Values of intra- and inter-day precision coefficients of variance and accuracy were 2.0%-13.3% and 85.8%-114.5%, respectively. Recovery ranged from 85.0% to 106.9%. The lower limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/mL for 21-deoxycortisol, 0.25 ng/mL for 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol, and 0.1 ng/mL for testosterone, androstenedione, and 11-deoxycortisol. In addition, the linearity range was 0.25-50 ng/mL (R2 > 0.99). According to the 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels and ratios of (androstenedione + 17-hydroxyprogesterone)/cortisol in the 707 positive screening samples, 77 neonates should receive recall visit. The number of false-positive results reduced by 89.1%. Totally, 18 newborns were diagnosed with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, one with P450 oxidoreductase deficiency and one with 11ß-hydroxylase deficiency. With two-tier screening, the positive predictive value increased to 26.0%. CONCLUSIONS: The second-tier steroid profiling by LC-MS/MS reduced the false-positive rate and improved the positive predictive value of CAH screening. We suggest applying this steroid profiling assay as a second-tier test for CAH screening in China.

Diurnal salivary androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels in healthy volunteers for monitoring treatment efficacy of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients with glucocorticoids is often challenging since there is a delicate balance between over- and undertreatment. Treatment can be monitored noninvasively by measuring salivary androstenedione (A4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). Optimal treatment monitoring requires the establishment of reference values in saliva. DESIGN: A descriptive study. PATIENTS: For this study saliva of 255 healthy paediatric and adult volunteers with an age range of 4-75 years old was used. MEASUREMENTS: We developed a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method, assessed salivary A4 and 17-OHP stability, and measured A4 and 17-OHP concentrations in saliva collected in the morning, afternoon, and evening. RESULTS: We quantified A4 and 17-OHP concentrations in the morning, afternoon, and evening and demonstrated that there is a significant rhythm with the highest levels in the morning and decreasing levels over the day. A4 and 17-OHP concentrations display an age-dependent pattern. These steroids remain stable in saliva at ambient temperature for up to 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Good stability of the steroids in saliva enables saliva collection by the patient at home. Since salivary A4 and 17-OHP display a diurnal rhythm and age-dependent pattern, we established reference values for both children and adults at three time points during the day. These reference values support treatment monitoring of children and adults with CAH.

Salivary Profiles of 11-oxygenated Androgens Follow a Diurnal Rhythm in Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.

CONTEXT: Several studies have highlighted the importance of the 11-oxygenated 19-carbon (11oxC19) adrenal-derived steroids as potential biomarkers for monitoring patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). OBJECTIVE: To analyze circadian rhythmicity of 11oxC19 steroids in saliva profiles and evaluate their relevance as potential monitoring parameters in 21OHD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional single-center study including 59 patients with classic 21OHD (men = 30; women = 29) and 49 body mass index- and age-matched controls (men = 19; women = 30). OUTCOME MEASURES: Salivary concentrations of the following steroids were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), 11ß-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4), and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT). RESULTS: Similar to the previously described rhythmicity of 17OHP, 11OHA4 and 11KT concentrations followed a distinct diurnal rhythm in both patients and controls with highest concentrations in the early morning and declining throughout the day (11-OHA4: mean reduction of hormone concentrations between timepoint 1 and 5 (Δ mean) in male patients = 66%; male controls Δ mean = 83%; female patients Δ mean = 47%; female controls Δ mean = 86%; 11KT: male patients Δ mean = 57%; male controls Δ mean = 63%; female patients Δ mean = 50%; female controls Δ mean = 76%). Significant correlations between the area under the curve for 17OHP and 11KT (rpmale = 0.773<0.0001; rpfemale = 0.737<0.0001), and 11OHA4 (rpmale = 0.6330.0002; rpfemale = 0.5640.0014) were observed in patients but not present or reduced in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal 11oxC19 androgens are secreted following a diurnal pattern. This should be considered when evaluating their utility for monitoring treatment control.

A Prospective Study of Children Aged 0-8 Years with CAH and Adrenal Insufficiency Treated with Hydrocortisone Granules.

CONTEXT: Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and adrenal insufficiency (AI) require daily hydrocortisone replacement with accurate dosing. OBJECTIVE: Prospective study of efficacy and safety of hydrocortisone granules in children with AI and CAH monitored by 17-OHP (17-hydroxyprogesterone) saliva profiles. METHODS: Seventeen children with CAH (9 male) and 1 with hypopituitarism (male), aged from birth to 6 years, had their hydrocortisone medication changed from pharmacy compounded capsules to hydrocortisone granules. Patients were followed prospectively for 2 years. In children with CAH, the therapy was adjusted by 17-OHP salivary profiles every 3 months. The following parameters were recorded: hydrocortisone dose, height, weight, pubertal status, adverse events, and incidence of adrenal crisis. RESULTS: The study medication was given thrice daily, and the median duration of treatment (range) was 795 (1-872) days, with 150 follow-up visits. Hydrocortisone doses were changed on 40/150 visits, with 32 based on salivary measurements and 8 on serum 17-OHP levels. The median daily mg/m2 hydrocortisone dose (range) at study entry for the different age groups 2-8 years, 1 month to 2 years, <28 days was 11.9 (7.2-15.5), 9.9 (8.6-12.2), and 12.0 (11.1-29.5), respectively, and at end of the study was 10.2 (7.0-14.4), 9.8 (8.9-13.1), and 8.6 (8.2-13.7), respectively. There were no trends for accelerated or reduced growth. No adrenal crises were observed despite 193 treatment-emergent adverse events, which were mainly common childhood illnesses. INTERPRETATION: This first prospective study of glucocorticoid treatment in children with AI and CAH demonstrates that accurate dosing and monitoring from birth results in hydrocortisone doses at the lower end of the recommended dose range and normal growth, without occurrence of adrenal crises.

Reproducibility of saliva progesterone measured by immunoassay compared to liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Immunoassay overestimates progesterone in blood, but no studies have tested whether this occurs in saliva. We measured progesterone in saliva using immunoassay and mass spectrometry. We tested the immunoassay for cross reactivity with dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP). Progesterone was significantly higher in immunoassay compared to mass spectrometry. Immunoassay progesterone levels increased in when incremental levels of 17α-OHP standard was added. This effect was not observed with the addition of DHEA-S. Research using salivary progesterone immunoassay techniques should be wary, particularly with individuals taking steroid supplementation or with high levels of progesterone metabolites.

Molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene in dried blood spot samples

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to a deficiency of enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis. In more than 90% of cases, CAH is secondary to deleterious mutations in the CYP21A2 gene leading to 21-hydroxilase deficiency (21OHD). The CYP21A2 gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p21·3) and encodes the cytochrome P450C21 enzyme. Neonatal screening programs detect the classic forms of CAH-21OHD quantifying 17OH-progesterone in dried blood spots (DBS). This test is very sensitive, but it has a low specificity, requiring a second sample to confirm the result. In these cases, a second-tier test in the same sample may be useful. Our aim was to evaluate a DNA extraction method from DBS and assess the performance of such DNA in the molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene mutations. Twelve individuals, who presumably had CAH based on the initial neonatal screening results, were analyzed using DNA extracted from freshly collected blood on EDTA and DBS. The CYP21A2 gene was analyzed by automated sequencing of all exons and intron boundaries and MLPA analysis in DBS. Molecular analysis results from both extraction methods were compared. In this study, we show that DNA extracted from neonatal screening DBS is a useful tool to define CYP21A2 gene mutations in 21-OHD diagnostic confirmation for the newborn screening program and that its results are comparable to traditional genotyping.

La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita (HSC) es un desorden autosómico recesivo producido por la deficiencia de alguna de las enzimas involucradas en la biosíntesis de cortisol. Más del 90% se debe a mutaciones en el gen CYP21A2 que genera deficiencia de 21 hidroxilasa (21OHD). Este gen se encuentra en el brazo corto del cromosoma 6 (6p21·3) y codifica para la enzima citocromo P450C21. Los programas de pesquisa neonatal detectan la forma clásica de la HSC-21OHD cuantificando 17OH-progesterona en gota de sangre en papel de filtro (GSPF). Este test es muy sensible, pero tiene baja especificidad , por lo que se utiliza una segunda muestra para confirmar el resultado. En estos casos, una segunda determinación en la misma muestra podría ser de utilidad. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el método de extracción de ADN y posterior análisis molecular del gen CYP21A2 en muestras de GSPF. Analizamos doce individuos presumiblemente afectados por HSC en la pesquisa neonatal usando ADN extraído de sangre fresca recolectada sobre EDTA y de GSPF. Realizamos el análisis del gen CYP21A2 mediante secuenciación automática de todos los exones y regiones intrónicas flanqueantes y MLPA en GSPF, y comparamos los resultados con ambos métodos de extracción. En este estudio demostramos que el ADN extraído de GSPF es una herramienta muy útil para analizar las mutaciones del gen CYP21A2 en la confirmación diagnóstica de 21-OHD para los programas de pesquisa neonatal y que los resultados son comparables con la genotipificación tradicional.

Molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene in dried blood spot samples.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder due to a deficiency of enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis. In more than 90% of cases, CAH is secondary to deleterious mutations in the CYP21A2 gene leading to 21-hydroxilase deficiency (21OHD). The CYP21A2 gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 (6p21·3) and encodes the cytochrome P450C21 enzyme. Neonatal screening programs detect the classic forms of CAH-21OHD quantifying 17OH-progesterone in dried blood spots (DBS). This test is very sensitive, but it has a low specificity, requiring a second sample to confirm the result. In these cases, a second-tier test in the same sample may be useful. Our aim was to evaluate a DNA extraction method from DBS and assess the performance of such DNA in the molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene mutations. Twelve individuals, who presumably had CAH based on the initial neonatal screening results, were analyzed using DNA extracted from freshly collected blood on EDTA and DBS. The CYP21A2 gene was analyzed by automated sequencing of all exons and intron boundaries and MLPA analysis in DBS. Molecular analysis results from both extraction methods were compared. In this study, we show that DNA extracted from neonatal screening DBS is a useful tool to define CYP21A2 gene mutations in 21-OHD diagnostic confirmation for the newborn screening program and that its results are comparable to traditional genotyping.

La hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita (HSC) es un desorden autosómico recesivo producido por la deficiencia de alguna de las enzimas involucradas en la biosíntesis de cortisol. Más del 90% se debe a mutaciones en el gen CYP21A2 que genera deficiencia de 21 hidroxilasa (21OHD). Este gen se encuentra en el brazo corto del cromosoma 6 (6p21·3) y codifica para la enzima citocromo P450C21. Los programas de pesquisa neonatal detectan la forma clásica de la HSC-21OHD cuantificando 17OH-progesterona en gota de sangre en papel de filtro (GSPF). Este test es muy sensible, pero tiene baja especificidad , por lo que se utiliza una segunda muestra para confirmar el resultado. En estos casos, una segunda determinación en la misma muestra podría ser de utilidad. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el método de extracción de ADN y posterior análisis molecular del gen CYP21A2 en muestras de GSPF. Analizamos doce individuos presumiblemente afectados por HSC en la pesquisa neonatal usando ADN extraído de sangre fresca recolectada sobre EDTA y de GSPF. Realizamos el análisis del gen CYP21A2 mediante secuenciación automática de todos los exones y regiones intrónicas flanqueantes y MLPA en GSPF, y comparamos los resultados con ambos métodos de extracción. En este estudio demostramos que el ADN extraído de GSPF es una herramienta muy útil para analizar las mutaciones del gen CYP21A2 en la confirmación diagnóstica de 21-OHD para los programas de pesquisa neonatal y que los resultados son comparables con la genotipificación tradicional.

Advancement in steroid hormone analysis by LC-MS/MS in clinical routine diagnostics - A three year recap from serum cortisol to dried blood 17α-hydroxyprogesterone.

Steroid analysis by LC-MS/MS in daily clinical routine diagnostics requires high-throughput conditions including fast chromatographic separation. Hereby, signal interferences may occur due to limited specificity in complex biologic matrices. During the last three years of routine steroid analysis in our laboratory and roughly 50,000 measurements, about 1% was affected by interferences, mainly serum cortisol (>90%) and dried blood 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP). To overcome specificity problems, enhanced chromatography, ionization polarity switching, and detection via two-stage fragmentation (MS3) using a quadrupole linear ion trap were investigated in our study. Signal interferences of serum cortisol were eliminated by applying a protocol for automated method switching without changing the basic high-throughput LC-MS/MS setup. This approach includes negative ionization and extended chromatography from 4 to 6.6 min using the fourfold column length. From 9 samples affected by cortisol interference using the high-throughput method, 8 could be reliably analyzed applying the method switching protocol. Moreover, the applicability of the high-throughput method as second tier analysis in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) diagnostics from dried blood was verified with 100% diagnostic specificity. In addition, the combination of fast LC and MS3 detection enables specific quantitation of 17-OHP from dried blood spots on a screening time scale. This approach may be an alternative to the newborn screening for CAH by immunoassay due to its higher specificity, reducing the number of false positive results by 90%. In this work we recap experiences from three years of clinical routine steroid analysis via LC-MS/MS and present a unique analytical setup that enables both high-throughput and enhanced resolution analysis of steroid hormones in serum and dried blood.

Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of Steroid Hormones Using Terahertz Molecule-Specific Sensors.

Discrimination and quantification of trace amounts of steroid hormones in biological specimens are needed to elucidate their changing expression because their biological functions are responsible for the development and prevention of endocrine disorders. Although mass-spectrometry-based assays are most commonly recommended, development of a new type of highly sensitive and selective detection methods in clinical practices is needed. Here, we introduce a label-free type of terahertz molecule sensor capable of sensing and identifying progesterone and 17α-OH-progesterone selectively. Nanoslot-array-based sensing chips were used as launching pads for absorption cross-section enhancement of molecules at a reliable terahertz frequency. With use of nanoslots with resonances at 1.17 THz corresponding to intrinsic THz absorption resonance mode for progesterone and at 1.51 THz for 17α-OH-progesterone, respectively, each steroid shows prominent transmittance change in terms of its amount. In particular, the sensing performance has been much improved by controlling evaporation speed, in turn resulting in an efficient, homogeneous distribution of the molecules onto a sensing hot spot.

The association between newborn screening analytes and childhood autism in a Texas Medicaid population, 2010-2012.

Autism (or autism spectrum disorder [ASD]) is an often disabling childhood neurologic condition of mostly unknown cause. It is commonly diagnosed at 3 or 4 years of age. We explored whether there was an association of any analytes measured by newborn screening tests with a later diagnosis of ASD. A database was compiled of 3-5 year-old patients with any ASD diagnosis in the Texas Medicaid system in 2010-2012. Two controls (without any ASD diagnosis) were matched to each case by infant sex and birth year/month. All study subjects were linked to their 2007-2009 birth and newborn screening laboratory records, including values for 36 analytes or analyte ratios. We examined the association of analytes/ratios with a later diagnosis of ASD. Among 3,258 cases and 6,838 controls, seven analytes (e.g., 17-hydroxyprogesterone, acylcarnitines) were associated with a later ASD diagnosis. In this exploratory study, an ASD diagnosis was associated with 7 of 36 newborn screening analytes/ratios. These findings should be replicated in other population-based datasets.

Evaluating the four most important salivary sex steroids during male puberty: testosterone best characterizes pubertal development.

Background During pubertal development in healthy boys, increased levels of different sex steroids occur which are responsible for sexual maturation and physical changes. However, relationships between various sex hormones and pubertal development stages have not been sufficiently studied. Methods The investigation included 165 normal boys (mean age 12.7±2.8 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 19.6±4.2 kg/m2). Pubic hair (PH) stages were stratified by Tanner and testicular volume (TV) by means of the Prader orchidometer and assigned to the prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal development phase. Four different sex steroids (testosterone [TE], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]/dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [DHEAS], androstenedione (AE), 17-hydroxyprogesterone [17-OHP]) were measured in saliva by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and as serum total steroids by different assays (radioimmunoassay [RIA], chemiluminescence immunoassay [CLIA], electrochemiluminescence immunoassay [ECLIA]). Validation of saliva-based ELISA tests included data related to inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation (CVs), recovery and linearity. Results Using Spearman rank correlation, salivary steroids significantly correlated (p<0.001) with pubertal development: TE (TV r=0.74 and PH stages r=0.72), DHEA (r=0.58 and 0.62), AE (r=0.38 and 0.45) and 17-OHP (r=0.42 and 0.43). Correlations between salivary and serum concentrations of steroids were also statistically significant (p<0.001). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between salivary TE and pubertal maturation during the development phases of prepuberty-puberty and puberty-postpuberty. Inclusion of further salivary steroids did not improve analysis results. Conclusions Salivary TE permits a good non-invasive characterization of pubertal maturation stages. The consideration of further salivary sex steroids did not improve diagnostic accuracy.

Dried Blood Spot Multiplexed Steroid Profiling Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Korean Neonates.

BACKGROUND: Screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) using immunoassays for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone generates many false-positive results. We developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for simultaneous quantification of nine steroid hormones in dried blood spot (DBS) samples, and established reference intervals for these hormones. METHODS: We examined our method for linearity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, and matrix effects and determined the reference intervals of cortisol, 17α-hydroxyproges-terone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, and progesterone in 1,146 DBS samples (from 272 preterm and 874 full-term neonates). Immunoassay and LC-MS/MS methods were compared for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. Fourteen additional samples were tested to validate the clinical applicability of the LC-MS/MS method. RESULTS: The linearity range was 2.8-828.0 nmol/L for cortisol and 0.9-40.0 nmol/L for the other steroids (R²>0.99). Intra-day and inter-day precision CVs were 2.52-12.26% and 3.53-17.12%, respectively. Accuracy was 80.81-99.94%, and extraction recovery and matrix effects were 88.0-125.4% and 61.7-74.2%, respectively. There was a negative bias, with higher values measured by immunoassay compared with LC-MS/MS (r=0.8104, P<0.0001). The LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to the analysis of nine steroids in DBS for screening and diagnosis of CAH using the 14 additional samples. CONCLUSIONS: Our method enables highly sensitive and specific assessment of nine steroids from DBS and is a promising tool for clinical analysis of CAH.

Tumor ovárico de células de Leydig en una niña de 7 años que se presentó como pubarquia precoz con elevación de 17 hidroxiprogesterona / Ovarian tumor of Leydig cells in a 7-year-old girl who presented as precocious pubarche with elevation of 17 hydroxyprogesterone

Clinical case: a girl of 7 ½ years who consulted for early pubarche without thelark, with a percentile size of 75 for a genetic target size in the 10th percentile, overweight with a 90th percentile BMI, and normal blood pressure. The biochemical study showed high levels of androgens: testosterone: 7.2 ng/dL, androstenedione of 5.1 ng / ml, 17OHP: 15 ng / dL with low normal DHEAS (0.26 ug/ml), Plasma Renin Activity normal low: 0.22 ng/mL/h. Initial imaging study showed a bone age of 10 years 6 months and normal abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. Molecular study showed no pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene (21 Hydroxylase). With a probable diagnosis of non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (HSRNC) and no known mutation, he started treatment with hydrocortisone (12 mg/m2). At 8.7 years, pubertal development begins and braking begins with LHRH analogues, which are administered for 18 months. Despite the treatment, signs of virilization and elevation of androgens (testosterone up to 130 ng/ml) are progressively accentuated, which do not diminish when trying different corticosteroid schemes. MRI of the abdomen and pelvis shows the normal adrenal glands and a solid nodular image of 2.1 x 1.6 cm in the right ovary (Figure 2), later demonstrated with pelvic ultrasound (Figure 2). Right laparoscopic oophorectomy was performed, whose biopsy demonstrated a Leydig cell tumor. One month after surgery, all androgenic levels were normalized, so the gradual suspension of corticosteroids began. Conclusion: Although HSRNC is the most frequent pathological cause of early pubarche, when it is associated with progressive clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism despite adequate treatment and without pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene, even with high levels of 17OHP, other causes should be considered, specifically, androgen producing tumors.

Caso clínico: niña de 7½ años que consulta por pubarquia precoz sin telarquia, con talla en percentil 75 para una talla objetivo genético en percentil 10, sobrepeso con IMC percentil 90 y presión arterial normal. El estudio bioquímico mostró niveles elevados de andrógenos: testosterona: 7,2 ng/dL, androstenediona de 5,1 ng/ml, 17OHP: 15 ng/dL con DHEAS normal baja (0,26 ug/ml), Actividad de Renina Plasmática normal baja: 0.22 ng/ mL/h. Estudio de imágenes inicial mostró una edad ósea de 10 años 6 meses y ecografía abdominal y pelviana normales. Estudio molecular no mostró variantes patogénicas en el gen CYP21A2 (21 Hidroxilasa). Con diagnosticó probable de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita no clásica (HSRNC) y sin mutación conocida,inició el tratamiento con hidrocortisona (12 mg/m2). A los 8.7 años comienza desarrollo puberal y se inicia frenación con análogos de LHRH, los cuales se administran por 18 meses. A pesar del tratamiento se acentúan progresivamente los signos de virilización y hayelevación de los andrógenos (testosterona hasta 130 ng/ml), que no disminuyen intentando diferentes esquemas de corticoides. Se realiza RM de abdomen y pelvis que muestra las glándulas suprarrenales normales y una imagen nodular sólida de 2.1 x 1.6 cm en el ovario derecho (Figura 2), demostrada posteriormente con Ecografía pelviana (Figura 2). Se realiza ooforectomía derecha por vía laparoscópica, cuya biopsia demostró un tumor de células de Leydig. Un mes después de la cirugía, se normalizan todos los niveles androgénicos por lo que se inició la suspensión gradual de los corticoides. Conclusión: Aunque la HSRNC es la causa patológica más frecuente de la pubarquia precoz, cuando se asocia con un hiperandrogenismo clínico y bioquímico progresivo a pesar de un tratamiento adecuado y sin variantes patógenicas en el gen CYP21A2, incluso con niveles elevados de 17OHP, otras causas deben ser consideradas, específicamente tumores productores de andrógenos.

Déficit de 3ß-hidroxiesteroide deshidrogenasa detectado a través de la elevación de la 17-hidroxiprogesterona en el cribado neonatal / 3ß-hydroxyesteroid dehydrogenase deficiency detected through increased serum levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the neonatal screening

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Scalp hair 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione as a long-term therapy monitoring tool in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoid replacement therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is challenging, especially in children, because both over- and under-dosing may have profound and long-lasting adverse effects. Clinical follow-up parameters are largely nonspecific and slow to develop. Steroid concentrations in scalp hair may be a useful monitoring tool, as it provides information on both long-term steroid precursor and glucocorticoid exposure. AIM: We aimed to evaluate scalp hair steroid precursor concentrations as a monitoring tool for treatment follow-up in children with CAH. METHODS: Scalp hair 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and androstenedione concentrations, measured by LC-MS/MS, of children with CAH (N = 26) were correlated with concentrations in serum and saliva, and compared to scalp hair concentrations in patient controls with adrenal insufficiency (AI) (N = 12) and healthy controls (N = 293). RESULTS: Hair cortisol concentrations were higher in children with CAH, compared to both healthy controls (P < 0·001) and patient controls (P = 0·05), and did not differ significantly between patient controls with AI and healthy controls. Concentrations of androstenedione in scalp hair were strongly correlated with concentrations in serum (ρ = 0·72, P < 0·001) and saliva (ρ = 0·82, P = 0·002). This was also seen for 17-OHP in hair with serum (ρ = 0·94, P < 0·001) and saliva (ρ = 0·69, P = 0·009). Both hair 17-OHP and androstenedione were higher in CAH patients (mean concentration 17-OHP 2·9 pg/mg; androstenedione 1·3 pg/mg), when compared to healthy controls (17-OHP 0·44 pg/mg; androstenedione 0·65 pg/mg) and when compared to patients with AI (17-OHP 0·12 pg/mg; androstenedione 0·32 pg/mg). CONCLUSION: This study shows that scalp hair 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione concentrations seem to be a promising parameter for treatment monitoring in patients with CAH.

LC-MS/MS-based method for long-term steroid profiling in human scalp hair.

BACKGROUND: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the method of choice for quantification of steroids. Human scalp hair provides the possibility to measure long-term retrospective steroid concentrations, which is especially useful for steroids with large time-dependent fluctuations in concentration, such as the glucocorticoid cortisol. AIM: We set up and validated a LC-MS/MS-based method for long-term steroid profiling, quantifying cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP). METHOD: Hair locks were cut from the posterior vertex of healthy male and female volunteers and washed in isopropanol. Steroids were extracted using methanol, and extract was cleaned up by solid-phase extraction and measured on a Waters XEVO-TQ-S LC-MS/MS. Lower limit of quantification, precision, matrix interference and intra-individual variation were determined. RESULTS: The functional sensitivity of our steroid analysis was <1·3, <9·3, 2·3, <1·3, <15·9, 1·87 pg/mg hair for cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), and 17OHP, respectively. Measured over a 9-month period, the inter-run CVs were below 16% for all steroids. Intra-individual coefficients of variation were below 15% for all steroids, except 17OHP (19·7%). CONCLUSION: The authors present a LC-MS/MS-based method for long-term steroid profiling in human scalp hair, potentially providing novel insights by a multitude of clinical and research applications in the field of endocrinology.

[Mass spectrometry for steroid assays]. / Dosages des stéroïdes par spectrométrie de masse.

Steroid hormone measurement, first developed with radioimmunoassay, is now becoming easier with the use of automated platforms of immunoassay. However, some hormones remain uneasily detectable because of their low blood concentration, their structural homology or the presence of interferences. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) can be considered as an alternative to immunoassays. This approach allows the simultaneous determination of several parameters thanks to its selectivity led by the detector mass spectrometer and the separate dimension of chromatography liquid. In addition, recourse to UHPLC (ultra high performance liquid chromatography) allows improving selectivity and sensitivity while limiting the samples volumes. The "ready-to-use" kits are now available and added to the "homemade" techniques developed by laboratories, thus giving opportunity for measurement of a wide steroid panel with only one sample. Finally, mass spectrometry methods, including a prior extraction step, allow the use of varied biological fluids (blood, urine, saliva…). Also, several clinical indications could gain from mass spectrometry, especially when hormone levels are low, when several steroids have to be identified, when the sample volume is low. However, this technology represents an important financial investment and in-depth staff training. In addition, some steroids are not easily quantifiable by mass spectrometry. It is likely by immunoassay and mass spectrometry, well-matched technologies, that we could answer the best to clinical questions about steroids.

Salivary morning androstenedione and 17α-OH progesterone levels in childhood and puberty in patients with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency can be monitored by salivary androstenedione (A-dione) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels. There are no objective criteria for setting relevant target values or data on changes of 17OHP and A-dione during monitoring. METHODS: We evaluated A-dione and 17OHP levels in nearly 2000 salivary samples collected during long-term treatment of 84 paediatric patients with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency. RESULTS: A-dione and 17OHP levels and its ratio 17OHP/A-dione remained constant from 4 to 11 years with no sex-related differences. During puberty, A-dione and 17OHP levels both increased, starting at earlier age in girls than in boys. The ratio 17OHP/A-dione declined. Normalised A-dione concomitant with elevated 17OHP [1.43 nmol/L (0.46-4.41) during prepuberty; 2.36 nmol/L (0.63-8.89) for boys and 1.99 nmol/L (0.32-6.98) for girls during puberty] could be obtained with overall median glucocorticoid doses of 11-15 mg/m2/day. A-dione levels above the upper reference limit (URL), suggesting undertreatment, coincided with 17OHP levels ≥10 times URL. The percentage of A-dione levels above URL was 16% at ages 4-8 years, but increased to 31% for girls at 16 years and 46% for boys at 17 years. CONCLUSIONS: Normalised A-dione consistent with 17OHP three times URL during prepuberty and normalised A-dione consistent with 4-6 times URL during puberty could be obtained by moderate glucocorticoid dosages. A constant 17OHP/A-dione ratio during prepuberty suggested absence of adrenarche. During puberty, a higher percentage of samples met the criteria for undertreatment, especially of boys.