Reference Range
The reference range of urinary 17-ketosteroids is as follows [1] :
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Males: 10-20 mg (34-69 µmol)/24 h
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Females: 5-15 mg (17-52 µmol)/24 h
Interpretation
Increases in levels of 24-hour urinary 17-ketosteroids are associated with the following:
A study by Adriaansen et al suggested that salivary samples of the 17-ketosteroid androstenedione as well as of another steroid, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, can be used to monitor the efficacy of treatment in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The investigators found that saliva could be collected by patients at home and sent to a laboratory for analysis, since both steroids remain stable in the saliva for up to 5 days at ambient temperature. The reference ranges for androstenedione in adults were determined to be 119-553 pmol/L (morning), 40-363 pmol/L (afternoon), and 42-319 pmol/L (evening), while for children they were 10-123 pmol/L (morning), < 7-54 pmol/L (afternoon), and < 7-42 pmol/L (evening). [2]
Decreases in levels of 24-hour urinary 17-ketosteroids are associated with the following:
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Nephrosis
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Castration
Collection and Panels
Specifics for collection and panels are as follows:
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Specimen type: Urine (see image below)
Urine sample.
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Collection method: 24-hour urine collection
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Other instructions: Record duration and total volume
Background
Description
The 17-ketosteroids are breakdown products of androgens. Examples of 17-ketosteroids include androstenedione, androsterone, estrone, and dehydroepiandrosterone.
Indications/Applications
Newer tests have superseded 17-ketosteroid testing, and the assay is seldom used now.
Considerations
Drugs that can increase 17-ketosteroids measurements include the following:
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Antibiotics (eg, penicillin, oxacillin)
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Chlorpromazine
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Ethinamate
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Meprobamate
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Phenaglycodol
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Nalidixic acid
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Spironolactone
Drugs that can decrease 17-ketosteroids measurements include the following:
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Progestational agents
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Carbamazepine
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Cephalothin
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Propoxyphene
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Reserpine
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Glucose
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Chlordiazepoxide
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Urine sample.
