Abstract
In 48 newborns and infants of 3 age groups, plasma DHEA-S was measured by RIA, and adrenal size, expressed as an adrenal size index (ASI), was assessed by ultrasound.
ASI were high in the newborn period and decreased with age (group I vs. II and III: p<0.02). Concentrations of DHEA-S as a marker of the fetal zone of the adrenal showed a negative correlation with chronological age (r=-0.62; p<0.0001) and differed significantly in the 3 age groups (p<0.05).
In a boy with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase-deficiency, diagnosed prenatally, ASI were above the normal range for age during the first days of life and returned to normal with treatment. In conclusion, ASI are helpful in the clinical diagnosis of adrenal diseases in the newborn period. Reference ranges are given for newborns and infants during the first year of life. Comparison of DHEA-S concentrations and adrenal size in vivo as determinad by ultrasound, is consistent with the fact that decrease in adrenal size shortly after birth is due to involution of the fetal zone.
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Hauffa, B., Menzel, D. AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN ADRENAL SIZE DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE: COMPARISON OF ULTRASOUND EVALUATION AND DHEA-S IN NORMAL INFANTS AND A NEWBORN WITH CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA (CAH). Pediatr Res 20, 1182 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00053
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00053