Indications:
The test is useful for diagnosis of adrenal hyperandrogenism.
Before prescribing DHEA, we must ensure that the absence of biological cons-indications; consideration, as far as levels of DHA, help them.
Principle:
The dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a pro-hormone androgen without own activity. Catabolised androgen, it acquires a virilizing action.
Its prescription appears to affect sleep regulator, analgesic in older people, preferably female, but supposed antiveillissement effects remain unproven, as are its safety.
Its origin is essentially adrenal.
Technique:
Picking the morning in the laboratory, 10 mL of blood on EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), frozen immediately.
Dosing is by radioimmunoassay.
Results:
Average values:
– Men: 2.5 to 10 mmol / L;
– Woman: 2.2 to 7.5 mmol / L.
(Conversion factor = 2.7 mg x ĩmol; micromol x 0.35 = mg.)
The DHA dosage is an indicator of the onset of adrenal puberty, which appears two years before gonadal puberty.
Elevation of DHA hirsutism is in favor of an adrenal tumor origin, hyperadrenocorticism, enzymatic block (11-hydroxylase deficiency).
Cost:
Adult: B70.
Child: B140.
Practical advice:
Current treatment with corticosteroids artificially lowers the rate of DHA.
In women with ovarian activity, the dosage should take place in the first six days of the cycle.
