CYP11B1基因突变致11β-羟化酶缺陷症五例随访研究

目的探索11β-羟化酶缺陷症(11β-hydroxylase deficiency, 11β-OHD)患者的临床和遗传学特点, 以提高对该病的认识。方法回顾性分析2016年至2021年在河南省儿童医院确诊的5例11β-OHD患儿的临床表现、激素水平、影像学检查、基因突变特点及随访结果。结果 5例患儿中3例男性, 2例女性, 诊断时年龄1岁5个月～7岁(平均3岁9个月), 骨龄3岁6个月～16岁(平均10岁3个月), 均无阳性家族史, 被误诊为21-羟化酶缺陷症(21-hydroxylase deficiency, 21-OHD)2例, 且长期合用盐皮质激素治疗。3例合并高血压, 1例睾丸肾上腺残余瘤。5例肾上腺CT均提示肾上腺增粗, 5例患儿ACTH、17-羟孕酮、睾酮、雄烯二酮不同程度地升高, 低钾血症1例。基因分析结果为1例纯合突变, 4例复合杂合突变, 携带错义突变的4例, 2例患者携带缺失, 1例患者携带有CYP11B2 exon1-6/CYP11B1 exon7-9形成的嵌合基因。其中CYP11B1 c.1385T>C(p.L462P)、c.1354G>A(p.G...     

11β-羟化酶缺陷症研究进展

11β-羟化酶缺陷症(11β-OHD)是引起先天性肾上腺皮质增生症(CAH)的第二大病因,为常染色体隐性遗传病,由CYP11B1基因突变引起.临床表现为低肾素性高血压、低血钾、高雄激素血症所致男性患者的性早熟或女性患者的假两性畸形.目前临床上对CAH的认识大部分仅局限于21-羟化酶缺陷症,但对11β-OHD尚缺乏深入的...     

婴儿先天性肾上腺皮质增生症(CAN)的治疗反应

本文报道9例婴儿CAH生长发育前瞻性研究和血浆肾上腺类固醇浓度的变化。 病人和方法 9例出生后不久即诊断的CAH,7例典型失盐型21羟化酶缺陷,根据治疗前血浆17羟孕酮(17OHP)升高而诊断;2例11β羟化酶缺陷,根据血浆11-去氧考的松和其尿内代谢产物四氢-11-去氧考的松分泌增加而诊断。6例洽疗前测血浆睾     

五例17α-羟化酶缺陷症患者临床特征及类固醇激素的质谱测定

目的:分析成年后诊断的17α-羟化酶缺陷症患者临床特征,提高对17α-羟化酶缺陷症的认识和合理诊治。方法:回顾分析2018年至2020年在我院诊治的5例17α-羟化酶缺陷症患者临床特征及生化结果。结果:5例17α-羟化酶缺陷症患者的社会性别均为女性,首次就诊我科并诊断时均已成年。所有5例患者均有高血压,低钾血症,双侧肾...     

17α-羟化酶/17,20-裂解酶缺陷症的临床特点及长期随诊资料分析

目的提高对17α羟化酶/17,20裂解酶缺陷症的认识和诊疗水平。方法回顾性分析1978年至2002年北京协和医院诊治的24例17α羟化酶/17,20裂解酶缺陷症患者的临床特点及长期随诊资料。所有患者均进行了较为完善的生化检查及相关内分泌激素测定,部分患者行骨密度测定。结果20例完全性联合缺陷症患者均存在高血压、低血钾及缺乏青春期性腺发育;测定示血、尿皮质醇水平低于正常,促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)反馈性增高;性激素明显低于正常,而促性腺激素增高。17例患者测定结果显示血浆肾素活性受到抑制,醛固酮水平高于正常。9例患者骨密度测定显示骨量明显低于同龄人。4例部分性联合缺陷症患者中,2例有自发月经,1例患者外生殖器呈两性畸形,1例原发闭经患者血压和血钾均正常。ACTH兴奋试验以及性激素测定的结果提示,这4例患者的肾上腺或性腺尚存在部分17α羟化酶/17,20裂解酶活性。多数患者应用小剂量地塞米松(0.1～0.375mg/d)可使血压、血钾正常。经补充性激素治疗,患者均能维持成年女性外观,但无生育功能。结论临床工作中应加强对部分性联合缺陷症的认识。患者长期规律治疗可良好控制血压及纠正低血钾。     

先天性肾上腺皮质增生症24例分析

我院自1964年至1984年共收治先天性肾上腺皮质增生症24例,其中21羟化酶缺陷18例(失盐型10例);11羟化酶缺陷3例;17羟化酶缺陷、3β-脱氢酶缺陷及     

21-羟化酶缺陷症伴肾上腺腺瘤及睾丸肾上腺残余肿瘤一例

目的 分析1例21-羟化酶缺陷症伴肾上腺腺瘤及睾丸肾上腺残余肿瘤患者的临床特点及分子遗传学诊断.方法 全面收集1例单纯男性化型21-羟化酶缺陷症患者的临床资料,对患者睾丸肿瘤组织进行病理活检,并采用PCR产物直接测序方法明确CYP21基因突变.结果 患者为中年男性,因"右侧肾上腺皮质腺瘤术后,左侧肾上腺肿块"入院;激素测定示:ACTH、孕酮、17-羟孕酮、雄烯二酮、睾酮明显高于正常值,CT示右侧肾上腺切除术后、左侧肾上腺弥漫性增生伴多发结节,精液常规未见精子.睾丸活检示:纤维组织增生伴玻璃样变和局灶钙化.基因测序检测到患者CYP21基因第2号内含子纯合突变.结论 未经诊治的21-羟化酶缺陷症患者可能伴发肾上腺腺瘤和(或)睾丸肾上腺残余肿瘤.     

21-羟化酶缺陷症伴肾上腺腺瘤及睾丸肾上腺残余肿瘤一例

目的 分析1例21-羟化酶缺陷症伴肾上腺腺瘤及睾丸肾上腺残余肿瘤患者的临床特点及分子遗传学诊断.方法 全面收集1例单纯男性化型21-羟化酶缺陷症患者的临床资料,对患者睾丸肿瘤组织进行病理活检,并采用PCR产物直接测序方法明确CYP21基因突变.结果 患者为中年男性,因"右侧肾上腺皮质腺瘤术后,左侧肾上腺肿块"入院;激素测定示:ACTH、孕酮、17-羟孕酮、雄烯二酮、睾酮明显高于正常值,CT示右侧肾上腺切除术后、左侧肾上腺弥漫性增生伴多发结节,精液常规未见精子.睾丸活检示:纤维组织增生伴玻璃样变和局灶钙化.基因测序检测到患者CYP21基因第2号内含子纯合突变.结论 未经诊治的21-羟化酶缺陷症患者可能伴发肾上腺腺瘤和(或)睾丸肾上腺残余肿瘤.     

21-羟化酶缺陷症伴睾丸肾上腺残余瘤3例诊治并文献复习

目的提高临床医生对21-羟化酶缺陷症(21-OHD)伴睾丸肾上腺残余瘤(TART)的认识水平。方法分析2010年5月至2021年5月解放军总医院第一医学中心确诊的3例男性21-OHD伴TART患者的临床、实验室和影像学资料及其诊治经过, 并对临床转归进行随访。结果 3例患者均以双侧肾上腺占位首诊;就诊年龄27～42岁, 身高145～162 cm。实验室检查均示孕酮、17-羟孕酮(17-OHP)、促肾上腺皮质激素(ACTH)升高。均经CYP21基因检测确诊。1例患者睾酮异常升高, 2例患者睾酮降低;3例患者黄体生成素(LH)及卵泡刺激素(FSH)均明显低于正常范围。睾丸超声均示双侧睾丸内高回声肿块。肾上腺CT均显示双侧肾上腺增粗伴占位。3例患者均给予地塞米松治疗, 随访4～96个月, 患者17-OHP控制在中线以上水平, 1例患者经治疗后婚育。双侧肾上腺增生及睾丸肿物均有不同程度的缩小, 且两者大小变化呈正比。结论 21-OHD患者易合并TART, 导致睾丸功能受损。早期使用糖皮质激素治疗有益于缩小TART大小、恢复睾丸功能。     

17α-羟化酶/17,20-碳链裂解酶缺陷症不典型病例1例报告

正先天性肾上腺皮质增生症(CAH)是皮质醇合成相关酶遗传性功能缺陷疾病的总称,属于常染色体隐性遗传,包括21羟化酶缺陷(最常见)、11β羟化酶缺陷、3β羟化类固醇脱氢酶缺陷、17α-羟化酶/17,20-碳链裂解酶(CYP17A1)缺陷(17OHD)~([1])。其中17OHD是CAH的罕见类型(仅占1%),自1966年报道首例17OHD以来,至今已报道150例,基因突     

A case of male pseudohermaphroditism due to 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency and hormonal profiles in the nuclear family

A genetic male with 17 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency is described. The patient, raised as a female, was seen at 17 yr of age for impuberism. She presented all the features of the classical severe form of the disease: complete female phenotype; hypertension; hypokalemia; elevated levels of plasma progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone (B), and ACTH; and suppression of renin and aldosterone production. Levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and all androgens were barely detectable. Hormone steroid patterns were determined in basal conditions and after acute ACTH stimulation in the parents and the two unaffected brothers in order to identify the heterozygotes. Subtle abnormalities in B and aldosterone secretion were observed in the male members of the family. On the basis of an increased ratio of B to aldosterone the two brothers were assumed to be heterozygotes. The mother had normal basal and stimulated levels of B, deoxycorticosterone, and aldosterone. In the parents and two brothers the progesterone responses to ACTH were exaggerated. The most striking finding in the father and both brothers was the observation of increased basal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone, unresponsive to ACTH stimulation, suggesting a partial Leydig cell 17,20-lyase deficiency in the male heterozygotes of this family. This study shows that a short ACTH test can help to identify the heterozygotes in affected families, but the abnormalities found are more heterogeneous than previously suggested.     

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

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.     

Combined 21- and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency in familial congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Studies in three families (A, B, and C) revealed five patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to partial and combined 21- and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency. One patient (A-11 1), a 23-yr-old severely virilized chromosomal female, was reared as a male, and two females (B-11 2 and C-1) complained only of hirsutism, acne, and menstrual abnormalities. Patients A-11 2 and B-11 8 (17 1/2 and 10 yr old) were asymptomatic and detected by finding an HLA genotype identical to that of their respectively affected brother and sister. Three patients (A-11 1, A-11 2, and C-1) had moderate hypertension. In spite of the wide range of clinical manifestations, all individuals had elevated androgen levels, while cortisol secretion was severely impaired only in A-11 2. 21-Hydroxylase deficiency was diagnosed on the basis of markedly increased plasma and urinary levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and 21-deoxycortisol and their respective urinary metabolites pregnanetriol and pregnanetriolone. PRA was elevated in three patients, while urinary aldosterone was normal or increased. 11 beta-Hydroxylase deficiency was diagnosed on the basis of increased 11-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone in plasma and tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol and deoxycorticosterone in urine, particularly after ACTH administration. In contrast to classical 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency CAH, urinary 18-hydroxycorticosterone and 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone were normal or elevated. The nature and mechanism of a combined enzymatic defect are unknown. The coincidental presence in a single individual of the mutant genes for both 21- and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency CAH is very unlikely to occur. Two alternative hypotheses may explain our findings. One is the existence of a genetically inherited abnormal (or aberrant) 11 beta-hydroxylase, whose affinity for its normal substrate is changed for an abnormal one (17-OHP). As a result, 11 beta-hydroxylation of 11-deoxycortisol is deficient while 17-OHP 11 beta-hydroxylation is markedly enhanced. Thus, both 11-deoxycortisol and 21-deoxycortisol as well as their urinary metabolites accumulate. The ability for 18-hydroxylation, however, remains normal. In this case, 21-hydroxylase is not deficient, yet 21-deoxycortisol cannot be further hydroxylated to cortisol, since this steroid is not a suitable substrate for the enzyme. Such a disorder may represent a new allelic variant of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency CAH, which, similar to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, is completely linked to the HLA complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Adrenal enzymatic block with late-onset caused by 11-hydroxylase deficiency. Apropos of 29 cases]

Late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a cause of a spectrum of clinical manifestations of postnatal androgen excess. In these cases, ACTH stimulation test with measurement of 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) is usually done to assess 21-hydroxylase (21-OH) deficiency. Determination of the 11-deoxycortisol (S) and the S to cortisol ratio is rarely done, so that 11 beta-hydroxylase (11-OH) deficiency seems unusual. We systematically investigated this biosynthetic defect among women complaining of hyperandrogenism (n = 519) and, comparing the patient's hormonal responses to ACTH with those of 31 normal women, found 29 11-OH deficiency (5.6%): this is the largest group ever reported. S was elevated only 9 times, so that using this single determination, diagnosis of 20 enzymatic defects would not have been made. Only three of the patients (10%) had hypertension, even though the pathway of aldosterone was involved in 33% of cases (criteria: elevation of the ratio desoxycorticosterone to corticosterone). We also described one new patient with both 11-OH and 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies. The patho-physiology is particularly interesting in these cases. It is concluded that the single research for 21-OH deficiency is inadequate among women complaining of hyperandrogenism: the screening for 11-OH deficiency should be made, even if blood pressure is normal.     

THE STEROID RESPONSE TO CONTROLLED ADRENAL STIMULATION IN CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA

Adrenal steroidogenesis has been studied in vivo in eleven patients aged 13-68 years with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, in one patient with 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency and in ten female control subjects. Serum levels of the delta 5 3 beta-hydroxysteroids, pregnenolone (Pe), 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone (17Pe), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenediol (Adiol) and their delta 4 3-keto counterparts, progesterone (Po), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17Po) androstenedione (Adione) and testosterone as well as of 11-deoxycortisol and cortisol were measured during acute adrenal suppression with dexamethasone followed by stimulation with synthetic 1-24 ACTH. In the seven patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency who were on adequate glucocorticoid therapy, grossly exaggerated responses of 17Po and Po to ACTH were nevertheless preserved. In contrast, there was a grossly subnormal response of 17Pe, DHEA and Adiol to ACTH, and low basal levels of DHEA-sulphate. In the untreated patients the response of 17Pe and DHEA was normal. The Adione response was exaggerated in untreated and normal in treated cases. Similar findings obtained in the patient with 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency who was studied after 6 weeks without replacement therapy. Our findings demonstrate that production of adrenal steroids that are associated with the adrenarche is not exaggerated in untreated CAH, and is grossly suppressed in treated cases. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that intra-adrenal cortisol may initiate and/or maintain production of the delta 5 steroids by the zona reticularis that occurs in the human adrenarche.     

Identification of nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency in girls with precocious pubarche.

Recent studies have described mild adrenal enzymatic defects in patients presenting with precocious pubarche. In order to identify these defects we have evaluated basal and ACTH- (25 IU iv) stimulated serum adrenal steroid levels in 19 girls, 2- to 8.3-year-old, with precocius pubarche (pubic hair Tanner II-III). Two patients had clitorial enlargement. Bone age was moderatly advanced in 10 patients and 2 to 3.7 yr in four others. Four patients had high basal serum levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) (525 + 202 ng/dl, mean +SD), compatible with the diagnosis of nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NCCAH-21OH), which was confirmed by an increased response of 17OHP to ACTH (3425 +/- 953 ng/dl). Fifteen patients had moderately elevated basal 17OHP levels (56 + 38 ng/dl) but a normal 170HP response (191 +/- 71 ng/dl) to ACTH, compatible with the diagnosis of idiopathic precocious pubarche (IPP). The cortisol response to ACTH was normal in both groups. Basal values of DHEA-S were 651 +/- 256 and 506 + 462 ng/ml and of DHEA 380 +/- 24 ng/dl and 205 +/- 102 ng/dl, in NCCAH-210H and IPP, respectively. We conclude that: i) clinical findings and baseline levels of DHEA-S and DHEA in IPP can be indistinguishable from the late onset 21 hydroxylase deficiency; ii) baseline levels of 17OHP are sufficient for the diagnosis of NCCAH-21OH; iii) the ACTH stimulation test is indicated only when baseline levels of 17OHP are moderately elevated (100-300 ng/dl).     

Adrenal androgen hyperresponsiveness to adrenocorticotropin in women with acne and/or hirsutism: adrenal enzyme defects and exaggerated adrenarche

To determine the adrenal contribution to elevated plasma androgens in 31 young hyperandrogenemic women with acne and/or hirsutism, we compared their responses to ACTH with those of 14 normal women. Each subject was given a low dose (10 micrograms/m2) of synthetic ACTH-(1-24) (Cortrosyn) after administration of 1.5 mg dexamethasone the night before the test. Thirty and 60 min responses of plasma 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone (17-Preg), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, (17-prog), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisol were measured. Eighteen (58%) patients had increased responses of at least one 17-ketosteroid or adrenal androgen precursor. All patients had cortisol responses within the range of those of the 14 normal subjects. Nine patients (29%) had evidence of steroid biosynthetic enzyme deficiencies, either mild congenital adrenal hyperplasia or the heterozygote state; after ACTH, 4 of these patients had elevated 17-prog in the range of values in heterozygote carriers of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 2 had elevated levels of 11-deoxycortisol compatible with 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency, and 3 had elevated levels of 17-Preg and DHEA, suggestive of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency. Another 9 subjects (29%) had 17-ketosteroid (DHEA and/or androstenedione) hyperresponsiveness to ACTH with associated elevated 17-Preg responses. As a group, their patterns suggested relatively deficient 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and relatively hyperactive C lyase without impairment of cortisol secretion. This pattern resembles exaggerated adrenarche, and we postulate that these 9 patients have hyperplasia of the zona reticularis. Neither basal levels of plasma androgens (free testosterone and DHEA sulfate) nor menstrual history predicted which patients would have abnormal ACTH responses. Although 5 of 11 (45%) patients with acne alone had abnormal responses to ACTH, 10 of 14 patients with acne and hirsutism (71%) had abnormal responses to ACTH. We conclude that an adrenal contribution is found in about half of hyperandrogenemic women with acne and/or hirsutism. This adrenal androgen hyperresponsiveness is heterogeneous. Some patients may have mild forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, functional androgenic hyperresponsiveness to ACTH, which resembles an exaggeration of adrenarche, is the most common abnormality found. Such findings may provide an explanation for the clinical observation of exacerbations of acne with stress.     

3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide in virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a useful serum metabolic marker of integrated adrenal androgen secretion

To determine whether serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3AG) reflects the overall effect of integrated adrenal androgen secretion in the virilizing form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CVAH), circadian levels (0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h) of serum 3AG and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) or 11-deoxycortisol (S), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), and 24-h urinary 17-ketosteroids (17KS) were examined in seven patients (pts) with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) and one pt with classical 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11 beta OHD). Hormonal studies were conducted during the second day of dexamethasone (Dex) administration (2 mg/day). In five poorly controlled CVAH pts, including the 11 beta OHD pt, highly elevated baseline morning (AM) serum 17OHP or S as well as A levels, and elevated AM T levels in three pts decreased markedly in the evening (PM), while elevated serum 3AG showed no significant circadian changes; 17KS levels were markedly elevated for age. During Dex, moderately or slightly elevated AM 17OHP, A, or T in two to four pts with 21OHD decreased to the normal range in the PM. In the pt with 11 beta OHD, S, A, and T levels were suppressed. 3AG levels were modestly elevated or normal, without circadian changes, in these pts; 17KS levels were elevated or normal. In two other 21OHD pts, modestly elevated AM baseline 17OHP and A levels decreased in the PM; elevated AM T decreased in one pt in the PM; modestly elevated 3AG levels showed no circadian changes; 17KS levels were modestly elevated. During Dex, normal or slightly elevated serum steroids and 17KS levels were associated with normal or high normal 3AG levels without circadian changes. In one postpubertal female with 21OHD, modestly elevated AM baseline 17OHP levels decreased at 2000 h; normal A and T levels throughout the day and low normal 17KS were associated with slightly low 3AG levels, without circadian variation. During Dex treatment, normal 17OHP, A, T, and low 17KS levels were associated with low 3AG levels without circadian variation. In all pts as a group, an excellent correlation (r = 0.9) was found between either 0800 h or mean, or 2000 h serum 3AG levels and 17KS. In addition, AM and PM serum 3AG levels in five normal women were similar. We conclude that the high correlation between serum 3AG and urinary 17KS and the absence of a significant circadian variation in 3AG indicate that serum 3AG, regardless of sample time, is a useful metabolic index of integrated adrenal androgen secretion in CVAH.     

'Exaggerated adrenarche' in children presenting with premature adrenarche

OBJECTIVE Previous reports of endocrinological profiles in children presenting with premature adrenarche have not shown consistent abnormalities. We therefore aimed to review the clinical and biochemical aspects of a large number of patients presenting with premature adrenarche without virilization and determine the relation between clinical and biochemical characteristics and the frequency of adrenal steroid disorders. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Eighty-eight patients presenting with adrenarche without virilization during 1985-1992 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 72 girls and 16 boys. All were normotensive and had either prepubertal breasts or testes < 4 ml. in patients with high adrenal androgen levels, adrenal tumours had been excluded by either adrenal ultrasound or CT scan. MEASUREMENT We recorded clinical manifestations, auxological data, bone age, biochemical results including basal 17OH-progesterone (b17OHP), dehydro-epiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione (Δ⁴A), testosterone, cortisol and stimulated 170HP and cortisol. ACTH stimulation tests (using soluble Synacthen 250 μg intramuscularly and collecting blood at 0, 30 and 60 minutes) were performed when clinically Indicated. 17OH-Pregnenoione (17OHPreg) was also measured during ACTH stimulation tests in 13 individuals to look for abnormalities of 3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD). RESULTS The age of onset ranged from 3 to 9·5 years (mean 6·8 ± 1·3). There were no significant differences by sex for height SDS, weight SDS or % ideal body weight, but bone age advancement was greater in males (P < 0·02). The most common presenting clinical manifestation was premature appearance of pubic hair in 93·8%, the other 6·2% presenting with body Odour, acne and/or hirsutism. Twelve patients had b17OHP > 6 nmol/l of whom 5 were diagnosed as having congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) resulting from 21-hydroxylase deficiency after ACTH stimulation tests. A further 33 patients who had b17OHP < 6 nmol/l had normal 17OHP and cortisol responses to ACTH stimulation. Patients, after excluding those with CAH, were divided on the basis of their DHEAS levels into prepubertal (< 1·5 μmol/l), pubertal (1·5-6 μmol/l) and above pubertal range (> 6 μmol/l). The 8 patients with DHEAS values above the pubertal range were described as having ‘exaggerated adrenarche’. There were no significant clinical differences between these 3 groups, but Significant differences were found for bone age advancement and the steroids, b17OHP, Δ⁴A and testosterone. There was a strong correlation between DHEAS and Δ⁴A(r= 0·623, P < 0·001). The ‘exaggerated adrenarche’ group had higher 17 OHPreg/17OHP ratios at 60 minutes after stimulation but these were not diagnostic for 3β-HSD deficiency. CONCLUSION The value of assessing basal steroids in children presenting with premature adrenarche Is demonstrated in this series with 5·7% being diagnosed with 21-hydroxyiase deficiency and 9·1% with ‘exaggerated adrenarche’. No relation was found between adrenal steroids and clinical features except for the acceleration of bone age. The relation between ‘exaggerated adrenarche’ and future ovarian hyperandrogenism needs further evaluation.     

The prevalence of 21-hydroxylase deficiency in adrenal incidentalomas - hormonal and mutation screening.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the response of 17 OHP to ACTH stimulation in patients with various types of adrenal incidentalomas and to examine the occurence of germline CYP21 mutation in these patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 40 patients (27 females, 13 males) with unilateral and bilateral masses were screened for fi ve most common mutations of the CYP21 in peripheral blood DNA samples. A hormonal evaluation, i.e. baseline plasma values of 17OHP, DHEAS as well as plasma 17OHP and DHEA after ACTH stimulation, was performed in all patients. 21 of them had unilateral adrenal adenoma, 13 patients had adrenal hyperplasia (six of them unilateral) and 6 patients had CT characteristics of other tumors (myelolipomas, cysts, adrenocortical carcinoma). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in plasma 17OHP, DHEAS and plasma cortisol between all three groups. Stimulated plasma values of DHEA and 17OHP after ACTH administration were significantly higher in patients with adenomas (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) and with hyperplasia (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05) compared with those with other tumors. An exaggerated response of 17 OHP was found in 5 (12 % ) patients. However, mutation screening in peripheral blood samples revealed no CYP21 mutation in all examined groups. SUMMARY: Although 12 % of patients with adrenal incidentalomas had an exaggerated response of 17 OHP after ACTH administration indicating a possible 21-hydroxylase deficiency, these findings are not associated with CYP21 mutation estimated in peripheral blood samples. There was found no germline CYP21 mutation in all patients with various adrenal incidentalomas.