Rapid steroid hormone quantification for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in dried blood spots using UPLC liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract Context Screening for and diagnosing non classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) uses serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) thresholds established from immunoassay data; however, a new liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method results in lower 17OHP values. The evolution of immunoassays is also challenging our diagnostic cut-off for glucocorticoid insufficiency and few data re-evaluate the utility of testing for glucocorticoid insufficiency in NCCAH. Objective (1) Evaluate the 17OHP threshold that predicts NCCAH in children using LC-MS/MS, and (2) determine the prevalence of glucocorticoid insufficiency in NCCAH. Methods A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent ACTH stimulation tests with cortisol and 17OHP measurements from 2011 to 2018 for assessment of NCCAH. Other adrenal pathologies were excluded. A cortisol < 415 nmol/L defined glucocorticoid insufficiency. Published correlation data determined a 17OHP of 3.3 nmol/L by LC-MS/MS was equivalent to 6 nmol/L by immunoassay. Data analysis was by measures of diagnostic accuracy. Results Of 188 patients included, 23 (12%) had NCCAH (21/23 had genetic confirmation); the remaining 2 had peak 17OHP > 30 nmol/L. Baseline 17OHP ≥ 6 nmol/L most accurately screened for NCCAH—sensitivity and specificity 96%. Almost all genetically confirmed NCCAH (20/21) had peak 17OHP > 30 nmol/L; all subjects with other diagnoses peaked < 30 nmol/L. Glucocorticoid insufficiency was present in 55% with NCCAH. Conclusions Despite the increased specificity of LC-MS/MS, a baseline 17OHP ≥ 6 nmol/L most accurately screened for NCCAH; this supports current practice guidelines. This threshold identified all with glucocorticoid insufficiency, notably prevalent in our cohort and for whom glucocorticoid stress dosing should be considered.

Download Full-text

Newborn Screening for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Additional Steroid Profile using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/jc.2006-2890 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 92 (7) ◽

pp. 2581-2589 ◽

Cited By ~ 110

Author(s):

N. Janzen ◽

M. Peter ◽

S. Sander ◽

U. Steuerwald ◽

M. Terhardt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Liquid Chromatography ◽

Tandem Mass Spectrometry ◽

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽

Tandem Mass ◽

Adrenal Hyperplasia ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry ◽

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽

Positive Results

Abstract Background: Neonatal screening programs for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-CAH) using an immunoassay for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) generate a high rate of positive results attributable to physiological reasons and to cross-reactions with steroids other than 17α-OHP, especially in preterm neonates and in critically ill newborns. Methods: To increase the specificity of the screening process, we applied a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method quantifying 17α-OHP, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and androstenedione. The steroids were eluted in aqueous solution containing d8-17α-OHP and d2-cortisol and quantified in multiple reaction mode. Results: Detection limit was below 1 nmol/liter, and recovery ranged from 64% (androstenedione) to 83% (cortisol). Linearity was proven within a range of 5–100 nmol/liter (cortisol, 12.5–200 nmol/liter), and total run time was 6 min. Retrospective analysis of 6151 blood samples and 50 blood samples from newborns with clinically confirmed 21-CAH, as well as prospective analysis of 1609 samples of a total of 242,500 testing positive in our routine 17-OHP immunoassay, allowed clear distinction of affected and nonaffected newborns. High levels of 21-deoxycortisol were only found in children with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Calculating the ratio of 17α-OHP to 21-deoxycortisol divided by cortisol further increased the sensitivity of the method. Conclusion: Our liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry procedure as a second-tier test can be used to reduce false-positive results of standard 21-CAH screening. The short total run time of 6 min allows for immediate reanalysis of all immunoassay results above the cutoff.

Download Full-text