Reference intervals for reproductive hormones in prepubertal children on the automated Roche cobas e 411 analyzer

ObjectivesTo establish reference intervals for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), total and free testosterone (T) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in prepubertal children and to assess age- and gender-related differences.Design and methodsA total of 948 subjects, 480 girls and 468 boys, between 1 and 11 years of age, were included in this study. All assays were performed on a Roche cobas e 411 immunoassay analyzer. Reference intervals have been evaluated according to the most recent CLSI guidelines.ResultsMedian values of LH, FSH and T were significantly higher in subgroups ranging from ≥ 8 to < 11 years, for both genders. In girls of that age, reference values of E2 were significantly higher than in younger ones, and in boys of the corresponding age.ConclusionEstablished reference intervals are applicable to other laboratories that use the same instrumentation.

► Evaluation of reference values for LH, FSH, E2, P, T, SHBG in prepubertal children.
► Assessment of hormone concentration in subgroups stratified by age and gender.
► Establishing age- and sex- related differences in hormone levels between subgroups.