Daily profiles of salivary cortisol in hydrocortisone treated children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Daily profiles of salivary cortisol were determined in 14 cortisol-treated children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and in 5 healthy sibs. The results showed considerable individual variation irrespective of the dose of hormone, reflecting the different rates of cortisol metabolism and transport. Maximum salivary cortisol levels were reached 1-2 h following oral administration of hydrocortisone. The determination of salivary cortisol may be useful for optimal dosage timing, i.e. to imitate the daily rhythm of normal cortisol secretion.