[Diagnosis of the heterozygote carrier state in 21-hydroxylase deficiency using steroids]

In an attempt to elaborate a method for screening heterozygous carriers of inborn adrenal hyperplasia caused by insufficiency of steroid 21-hydroxylase, the authors examined in 24 obligatory heterozygotes and in seven controls the concentrations of four steroids. Cortisol (F), 11 beta-hydroxyandrostendione (11-OH), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH) and androstendione (A) were estimated by the RIA method using non-commercial antisera. In the examined subjects an abbreviated ACTH test was made and the mentioned parameters were assessed at times 0, 30 and 60 minutes. The results (nmol/l) were expressed by the relationship R = F.11-OH/17-OH.A for all investigated time intervals. The coefficient R60 or difference of coefficients delta R = R60-R0 differed significantly and overlapped to a minimum extent in the group of heterozygotes and controls. The authors assume that the suggested method for the detection of carriership of 21-hydroxylase insufficiency could be used in genetic counselling.