11-Deoxycortisol, also known as cortodoxone, corticosterone, and compound S, is a steroid and an immediate precursor to the production of cortisol. It can be synthesized from 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Excretion in urine is included in 17-ketogenic steroid (17-KGS) and Porter-Silber 17-OHKS measurements, which were originally used to provide some measure of cortisol production. The direct measurement of cortisol has replaced determinations of 17-KS and 17-OHKS.
Normal range: <50 ng/dL in males; <33 ng/dL in females.
Use
Diagnosis of and monitoring therapeutic response in CAH due to 11 Ž ²-hydroxylase deficiency
Assessment of adrenal response in the metyrapone test; result after metyrapone stimulation is >8,000 ng/dL
Interpretation
Increased In
Values are increased in CAH (P450cII deficiency) and following metyrapone administration in normal persons.
Decreased In
Values are decreased in adrenal insufficiency.
Limitations
Patients with myxedema, some pregnant patients, and those on oral contraceptives respond poorly during the test.