[Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) in paediatric endocrinology (author's transl)]

The normal values of plasma DHAS were determined by measuring the levels in 637 normal subjects whose ages ranged from birth to adulthood. The changes induced by adrenal stimulation and suppression, and by testicular stimulation tests were studied. Knowledge of the normal values and the changes with age is essential for the interpretation of the results in children with endocrine disorders. Normal DHAS levels were found in cases of precocious puberty. High levels were found in pseudo-precocious puberty and in premature pubarche. Low levels were detected in primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency and in delayed adrenal puberty.