Technical details influence the diagnostic accuracy of the 1 microg ACTH stimulation test.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the factors causing inadequate cortisol responses to the 1 microg ACTH stimulation test.

Design

Random test assignment (by age and gender) at 0800 or 1600 h.

Methods

We recruited 20 healthy adults to each of the three age groups (<40 years, 40-55 years, and >55 years; half females in each group). ACTH stimulation tests were performed in an outpatient clinic at the NIH Clinical Research Center. Plasma cortisol was measured just before, and 30 and 60 min after the administration of 1 microg ACTH (1-24). The ACTH concentration in diluted and administered solutions was measured.

Results

Twenty-five volunteers (19 at 1600 h) had a subnormal cortisol response (peak cortisol 10.4-17.5 microg/dl), using a criterion <18 microg/dl (497 nmol/l), for a

SUBMITTER: Wade M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2941345 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature