[Hormonal reference values for adrenocortical function in healthy children from Zaragoza]

Estimation of reference values for basal serum concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-OH-progesterone (17-OHP), plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, -4-androstendione ( 4A) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHA-S) in healthy children from Zaragoza.

Reference population were healthy children aged 0 to 14, with normal weight and height, living in the metropolitan area of Zaragoza (Spain). It is a transversal study. Reference values and ranges for ACTH, cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-OHP, PRA, aldosterone, 4A and DHA-S were estimated, and changes in concentrations were analyzed in relation to age, sex and puberal stage.

Reference values have been classified by puberal stage and age in eleven groups for every sex: Tanner I (umbilical cordon, 3 days, 4-30 days, 1-6 months, 6 months-4 years, 4-7 years, 7-10 years, 10-14 years), Tanner II, Tanner III and Tanner IV-V. Sex did not influence ACTH, cortisol, 17-OHP and PRA concentrations, and there are punctual differences in 11-deoxycortisol, aldosterone, 4A and DHA-S levels. 17-OHP, 11-deoxycortisol and aldosterone concentrations significantly decreased from birth to 6 months-4 years and subsequently kept steady. The maximal concentration of ACTH, and ARP in blood cord significantly decreased until the period 6 months-4 years, and subsequent differences among different age groups, and between prepuberal and puberal groups are scarce. The highest concentration of 4A and DHA-S were observed in blood cord and third day of life, decreased until the lowest level in 6 months-4 years and progressively increased with age in prepuberty, and between prepuberty and puberty. The lowest concentration of cortisol was detected in 4-30 days, increased until 6 months-4 years and kept steady along the prepuberty and puberty.

It is necessary that every population establish own reference values for ACTH, cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 17-OHP, PRA, aldosterone, 4A and DHA-S during infancy, childhood and adolescence, according to age, sex and puberal stage.