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Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-Sulfate)
Principle
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a steroid synthesized primarily by the adrenal gland. In tissues containing sulfatase activity, DHEA-S can be converted into free DHEA. Both DHEA and DHEA-S may be further metabolized into active androgens and estrogens.
Serum and plasma DHEA-S concentrations are the highest of all steroids. Levels peak during the third decade of life and decline with age in both sexes. The half-life of DHEA-S (8–10 hours) is significantly longer than that of other androgens (30–60 minutes). Its long half-life and minimal diurnal variation make DHEA-S a useful marker of adrenal androgen production.
Clinical applications include evaluation of Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, and hirsutism. Elevated DHEA-S in hirsute women suggests a virilizing adrenal tumor. Increased DHEA-S may also be seen in polycystic ovary syndrome, indicating adrenal androgen excess.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Collection
Processing
Storage and Transport
Store/transport at 15–30°C for ≤8 hours; 2–8°C for ≤48 hours; freeze at ≤ –20°C if delayed. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolyzed or unseparated specimens.
Method
Enhanced chemiluminescence
Normal Range
| Age | Male | Female |
| <1 Month | ≤316 | 15–261 |
| 1–6 Months | ≤58 | ≤74 |
| 7–11 Months | ≤26 | ≤26 |
| 1–3 Years | ≤15 | ≤22 |
| 4–6 Years | ≤27 | ≤34 |
| 7–9 Years | ≤91 | ≤92 |
| 10–13 Years | ≤138 | ≤148 |
| 14–17 Years | 38–340 | 37–307 |
| 18–21 Years | 24–537 | 51–321 |
| 22–30 Years | 85–690 | 18–391 |
| 31–40 Years | 106–464 | 23–266 |
| 41–50 Years | 70–495 | 19–231 |
| 51–60 Years | 38–313 | 8–188 |
| 61–70 Years | 24–244 | 12–133 |
| ≥71 Years | 5–253 | 7–177 |
Turnaround Time
References
- Meikle AW, Daynes RA, Araneo BA. Adrenal androgen secretion and biologic effects. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 1991;20(2):381–400.
- Helzlsouer KJ, Gordon GB, Alberg AJ, Bush TL, Comstock GW. Relationship of prediagnostic DHEA and DHEA-S levels to risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Cancer Res. 1992;52(1):1–4.