Monitoring Medical Treatment in Adolescents and Young Adults with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Utility of Salivary 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone Day Profiles

Introduction: Efficacy of medical treatment in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency is usually monitored by measurement of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP). Saliva instead of serum sampling offers some advantages, such as painless handling and measurement of the bioactive free hormone. This study evaluated the diagnostic validity of salivary 17OHP for monitoring medical treatment, with samples collected at 7 time points throughout a day. Subjects and Methods: Day profiles were performed in 23 adolescents and young adults with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and 43 healthy volunteers. During each profile, saliva and serum samples for 17OHP were simultaneously collected. Results: With regard to the initial day profiles, samples were pathological in 63% (saliva) and 41% (serum). After the first clay profile 14 patients underwent adjustment of medical treatment, either because of highly elevated 17OHP levels or with the aim of dose reduction. When comparing the best with the first day profile fewer samples were pathological (saliva: 32% vs. 71%; p<0.05: serum: 21% vs. 47%; n. s.), while the mean hydrocortisone equivalent dose was significantly reduced (20.09 mg vs. 27.27 mg; p<0.01). In 53% of profiles with controlled salivary 17OHP levels at 0700h, the necessity for a treatment modification became only apparent when analyzing the whole day profile. Conclusion: A single 0700h value within the reference range does not allow for a reliable assessment of therapeutic efficacy. We therefore suggest 17OHP day profiles for monitoring medical treatment. In this context, saliva analysis appears to be more sensitive in identifying patients who are inadequately treated.