Pediatric reference intervals for aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and 25-hydroxy vitamin D 3 using tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

Objectives To determine age and sex-specific pediatric reference intervals for aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D 3. Background and design Reference intervals were determined for neonates and children 0–18 years of age. The study was conducted at both Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University using outpatient blood samples obtained between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2008. Methods Serum samples were analyzed using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with deuterium-labeled internal standards at Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University Medical Center Bioanalytical Core Laboratory. Results and conclusions This is the first study to provide pediatric reference intervals of steroid hormones for children from birth to 18 years of age using LC/MS/MS. Reference intervals were established for aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D 3. All the analytes exhibited at least some age dependence. Sex differences between early and late childhood and adolescence were found for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone. Seasonal differences were apparent for 25-hydroxy vitamin D 3.