STEROID EXCRETION IN ANOREXIA-NERVOSA PATIENTS

Seven anorexia nervosa (A.N.) patients had reduced urinary excretion values of tetrahydrocortisone (THE), androsterone (A) and 5α-tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF). THE to tetrahydrocortisol (THF), A to aetiocholanolone (Ae) and 5α-THF to THF ratios were all significantly reduced. Six A.N. patients had oral metyrapone tests with quantitatively normal but delayed urinary 3α,17α,21-trihydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (THS) response. The steroid determinations were done by capillary gaschromatography, which proves to be of value in the study of the above mentioned metabolic abnormalities.