Reference intervals for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin in children and young adults on the bioMérieux Mini-Vidas system

Abstract

We measured serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin concentrations on a bioMérieux Mini Vidas system in a pediatric population ranging in age from 1 to 19 years. Reference intervals were established separately for females and males, with stratification by age group and by Tanner's pubertal stage. FSH values were higher in females than in males, and were lowest in both sexes of age class 2 (4-8 years), increasing thereafter to the upper limit for stage PIV (females) and stage PV (males). LH values showed a similar pattern of change: concentrations were lowest for class 1 (1-3 years) and class 2 (4-8 years), and highest for stage PII (females) and stage PV (males). No significant difference was observed according to gender. Prolactin values did not differ markedly according to gender or pubertal status.