LC–MS/MS based determination of basal- and ACTH-stimulated plasma concentrations of 11 steroid hormones: implications for detecting heterozygote CYP21A2 mutation carriers

Abstract

ObjectiveHeterozygosity in 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) has been associated with hyperandrogenemic symptoms in children and adults. Moreover, the carrier status is mandatory for genetic counseling. We aimed at defining a hormonal parameter for carrier detection by mass spectrometry.DesignEleven basal and ACTH-stimulated steroid hormones of heterozygous carriers ofCYP21A2mutations and control individuals were compared.MethodHormones were determined in plasma samples by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in 58 carriers (35 males, 23 females, age range 6–78 years) and 44 random controls (25 males, 19 females, age range 8–58 years).ResultsHeterozygotes could be identified best applying the 17-hydroxyprogesterone+21-deoxycortisol/cortisol×1000 ((17OHP+21S)/F×1000) equation 30 min after ACTH injection. An optimal cut-off value of 8.4 provided 89% sensitivity and specificity. Considering this data and a published frequency of heterozygotes of 1/50 to 1/61, the positive predictive value (PPV) of this cut-off is 12%. Of note, the negative predictive value (NPV) excluding heterozygosity in a given patient is 99.8%.ConclusionConsidering only marginal biochemical effects anticipated from heterozygosity, the stimulated ((17OHP+21S)/F×1000) identifies and excludes heterozygotes remarkably well. Nevertheless, LC–MS/MS cannot replace genetic testing, since sensitivity and specificity did not reach 100%. However, due to the considerably high NPV of the optimal cut-off and to a specificity of even 100% applying a cut-off higher than 14.7, hormonal assessment of heterozygosity can be of significant aid in conditions with limited access to genetic testing, as in some health care systems. The ((17OHP+21S)/F×1000) equation can guide diagnostic considerations in the differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism.