Definition
- 17-Ketosteroids, urine (17-KS), are breakdown products of androgens and are an adrenal function test. Examples of 17-KS include androstenedione, androsterone, estrone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. An alternative and more specific test for adrenal androgen function is dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum.
- Normal range: depends on sex and age (Table 16.2).
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TABLE 16 " “2Normal Ranges for 17-Ketosteroids in the UrineView LargeTABLE 16 " “2Normal Ranges for 17-Ketosteroids in the Urine Age Value (mg/d) Male 0 " “11 mo 0.0 " “1.0 1 " “5 y 1.0 " “2.0 6 " “10 y 1.0 " “4.4 11 " “12 y 1.3 " “8.5 13 " “16 y 3.4 " “9.8 17 " “50 y 5.3 " “17.6 ≥51 y 4.1 " “12.1 Female 0 " “11 mo 0.0 " “1.0 1 " “5 y 1.0 " “2.0 6 " “10 y 1.4 " “3.9 11 " “12 y 3.8 " “9.5 13 " “16 y 4.5 " “17.1 17 " “50 y 4.4 " “14.2 ≥51 y 3.2 " “10.6
Use
- Evaluation of glucocorticoid production and neuroendocrine function
- Evaluation of androgenic adrenal and testicular function in normal male individuals and primarily adrenal androgenic secretion in normal female individuals
Interpretation
Increased In
- Adrenal tumor
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (very rare)
- Cushing syndrome
- Ovarian cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian dysfunction (polycystic ovarian disease)
Decreased In
- Addison disease
- Castration
- Hypopituitarism
- Myxedema
- Nephrosis
Limitations
- A large number of substances may interfere with this test.
- Decreases may be caused by carbamazepine, cephaloridine, cephalothin, chlormerodrin, digoxin, glucose, metyrapone, promazine, propoxyphene, reserpine, and others.
- Increases may be caused by acetone, acetophenide, ascorbic acid, chloramphenicol, chlorothiazide, chlorpromazine, cloxacillin, dexamethasone, erythromycin, ethinamate, etryptamine, methicillin, methyprylon, morphine, oleandomycin, oxacillin, penicillin, phenaglycodol, phenazopyridine, phenothiazine, piperidine, quinidine, secobarbital, spironolactone, and others.