Serum 21-Deoxycortisol, 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, and 11-deoxycortisol in classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: clinical and hormonal correlations and identification of patients with 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency among a large group with alleged 21-hydroxylase deficiency

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Jun;91(6):2179-84. doi: 10.1210/jc.2005-1890. Epub 2006 Mar 21.

Abstract

Introduction: 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is the most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, followed in frequency by 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11betaOHD). Although the relative frequency of 11betaOHD is reported as between 3 and 5% of the cases, these numbers may have been somewhat underestimated.

Materials and methods: In 133 patients (89 females/44 males; 10 d-20.9 yr) with alleged classic 21OHD and five (three females/two males; 7.3-21 yr) with documented 11betaOHD, we measured serum 21-deoxycortisol (21DF), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), and 11-deoxycortisol (S), 48 h after glucocorticoid withdrawal. We also studied 20 sex- and age-matched control subjects. Serum steroid levels were determined by RIA after HPLC purification.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: 1) quantify 21DF in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 2) correlate hormonal with clinical data, and 3) identify possible misdiagnosed patients with 11betaOHD among those with 21OHD.

Results: In 21OHD, 17OHP (217-100,472 ng/dl) and 21DF (<39-14,105 ng/dl) were mostly elevated and positively correlated (r = 0.7202; P < 0.001). Except for higher 17OHP in pubertal patients, 17OHP and 21DF values were similar according to sex, disease severity, or prevailing glucocorticoid dose. One additional patient with 11betaOHD was detected (1%) and also one with apparent combined 11beta- and 21OHD. S levels were elevated in 11betaOHD and normal but significantly higher in 21OHD than in controls.

Conclusion: To recognize patients with 21- and/or 11betaOHD, we recommend evaluation of 17OHP or 21DF and S. Also, 21DF may be useful to follow up pubertal patients with 21OHD. Because 1% of patients with alleged 21OHD may have 11betaOHD, its frequency seems underestimated, as per our experience in a Brazilian population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone / blood*
  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / blood*
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / enzymology
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cortodoxone / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase / analysis*
  • Steroid 21-Hydroxylase / analysis*

Substances

  • 21-deoxycortisol
  • 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone
  • Steroid 21-Hydroxylase
  • Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase
  • Cortodoxone