A 3–month old male child with normal genitalia presents to the emergency department with severe dehydration, hyperkalemia and hyponatremia. The measurement blood levels of which of the following will be helpful?: (A) 17–hydroxy progesterone, (B) Renin, (C) Cortisol, (D) Aldosterone
Answer is A. This is a case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to deficiency of 21 - hydroxylase deficiency.
Because of the enzyme block ,there is increased formation of 17- hydroxyprogesterone, which is then shunted into the production of testosterone.
Levels of cortisol and aldosterone are reduced.