[The clinical value of measuring plasma level of very long chain fatty acids in Addison disease].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the level of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in plasma to find out X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) in patients with Addison disease.


METHODS
By using gas chromatography measurement of plasma levels of C(26:0), ratios of C(26:0)/C(22:0) and C(24:0)/C(22:0) was carried out in 36 patients with Addison disease.


RESULTS
Among the 36 cases, 6 had elevated plasma VLCFA levels; thus the presence of X-ALD was confirmed.


CONCLUSIONS
Misdiagnosis of X-ALD can be reduced by measuring plasma level of VLCFA early in male patients with Addison disease, especially in young ones.
Chen
Jun
J
Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China. chenjun70330@sina.com
Zhang
Jian
J
Wang
De-Xin
DX
D000224:Addison Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000326:Adrenoleukodystrophy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified