Changes in High Levels of 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone at Neonatal Screening / 대한소아내분비학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:There are some cases of false positive in neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. To understand its significance of the increased 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone(17 alpha-OHP) levels in the cases of positive result, we followed its levels during infancy. METHODS:From July 1997 to June 1998, totally 1,730 babies were screened for congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH) measuring 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone(17 alpha- OHP) using an enzyme immunoassay(EIA) on dried blood spots. In infants of positive result, the radioimmunoassay(RIA) was used measuring 17 alpha-OHP in serum. And we followed up the levels of 17 alpha-OHP during infancy. Cortisol and ACTH were also measured and followed up in the morning simultaneously. RESULTS:No CAH was detected during the study period. With the 13 ng/mL cutoff limit for 17 alpha-OHP before March 1998, the recall rate was 3.09%. With the 20 ng/mL cutoff limit after March 1998, the recall rate was decreased to 1.58%. Follow-up of the high levels of 17 alpha-OHP in positive cases showed a sharply decreased curve according to age. CONCLUSION: In clinically normal neonates, the high levels of 17 alpha-OHP at screening decreased continuously during infancy.