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steroid pathway
Biochemical cascade involved in hormone production, disrupted in congenital adrenal hyperplasia screening.
Full Definition
The steroid pathway encompasses the enzymatic reactions that convert cholesterol into various steroid hormones including cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones. In newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone indicates enzyme deficiencies that disrupt normal steroid synthesis. Understanding this pathway is essential for interpreting screening results and recognizing the clinical consequences of different enzyme defects that can cause salt-wasting crises in newborns.
Usage
Usage note: Use as a compound noun; avoid 'steroid biosynthetic pathway' in routine screening contexts.
In Context
- "Disruption of the steroid pathway results in elevated screening markers for CAH." — Laboratory interpretation guide
- "Understanding steroid pathway biochemistry is crucial for accurate CAH screening interpretation." — Continuing education material
Also known as
steroidogenesis
adrenal steroid pathway
Don't confuse with
metabolic pathway
thyroid pathway