ACTH IN NORMAL CHILDREN AND CHILDREN WITH PITUITARY AND ADRENAL DISEASES. I: Measurement in Plasma by Radioimmunoassay–Basal Values

Abstract

Plasma ACTH was measured by radioimmunoassay including preliminary extraction onto adsorbent glass particles. Normal basal values for children 4-16 years of age were 11-82 microgram/ml, corresponding to values found in the literature. Normal values were found in girls with precocious puberty, children with McCune-Albright and Beckwith-Wiedemann's syndrome. Values between 233 and 305 pg/ml were found in untreated children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In primary Addison's disease, very high levels (654-1 413 pg/ml) before cortisone therapy and their decline to nearly normal values during therapy are described. ACTH values in a case of pituitary Cushing's syndrome was just above the normal range (104-163 microgram/ml).

A Case of Congenital Isolated Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Deficiency Caused by Two Novel Mutations in the TBX19 Gene

“…Reference values for routine laboratory testing of ACTH and cortisol are about 1.6–13.9 pmol/L and 193.2–690 nmol/L, respectively (3, 10, 11). In three recent cases, ACTH and cortisol levels in the plasma were very low, which were lower than lower limit of the reference value and perfectly consistent with routine laboratory test (3, 11).…”

Biomarkers of Stress and Inflammation in Children

“…Normal cortisol levels in children are 5–25 mcg/dL for morning specimens and 2 to 14 mcg/dl for afternoon specimens (Petersen, 1981). Values are usually lower in the afternoon based on the diurnal rhythm.…”