Pediatric reference intervals for aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 using tandem mass spectrometry

ObjectivesTo determine age and sex-specific pediatric reference intervals for aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.Background and designReference intervals were determined for neonates and children 0–18 years of age. The study was conducted at both Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University using outpatient blood samples obtained between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2008.MethodsSerum samples were analyzed using isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with deuterium-labeled internal standards at Children's National Medical Center and Georgetown University Medical Center Bioanalytical Core Laboratory.Results and conclusionsThis is the first study to provide pediatric reference intervals of steroid hormones for children from birth to 18 years of age using LC/MS/MS. Reference intervals were established for aldosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3. All the analytes exhibited at least some age dependence. Sex differences between early and late childhood and adolescence were found for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone. Seasonal differences were apparent for 25-hydroxy vitamin D3.