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Technical
IVT
17-Hydroxyprogesterone
Pronunciation: seventeen-high-droxy-pro-JES-ter-own
Also written as: 17-OHP
A steroid hormone precursor used to screen for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Full Definition
17-Hydroxyprogesterone is an intermediate in cortisol and sex hormone biosynthesis that accumulates when 21-hydroxylase enzyme is deficient. Elevated 17-OHP levels indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), the most common cause of ambiguous genitalia in newborns. It is included in newborn screening programs and used to monitor CAH treatment. Timing of collection is crucial as levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle in females.
Usage
Usage note: Note timing of collection relative to menstrual cycle; specify if stress dose steroids affect results.
In Context
- "Markedly elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone on newborn screening indicates classic CAH." — Neonatal endocrinology
- "17-OHP should be drawn in the morning to avoid circadian variation effects." — Laboratory protocol
Also known as
17-OHP
Don't confuse with
Progesterone
Androstenedione
Cortisol