Adrenal function in normal infants and in marasmus and kwashiorkor. Cortisol secretion, diurnal variation of plasma cortisol, and urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticoids, free corticoids, and cortisol.

Normal infants exhibited circadian rhythmicity of plasma F concentration. Infants from 2.1 to 3.2 months of age had CSR significantly higher than those of older infants. THF/THE urinary excretion ratios increased with age. The 17OHCS excretion was higher in the younger infants. Urinary excretions of free corticoids and cortisol were similar in all age groups. In marasmus, plasma F concentrations in the morning and evening were significantly elevated. Normal diurnal variation returned following therapy. CSR and 17OHCS excretions were not different from age controls, but were significantly lower than size controls, THF/THE ratios, urinary excretion of free corticoids and cortisol were normal. In marasmic kwashiorkor, plasma F concentrations were significantly elevated in the morning and evening. There was a suggestive decrease with therapy. CSR was low before and after treatment. THF/THE ratios, urinary 17OHCS excretion, and urinary free corticoids and cortisol were not significantly different from infants matched for size or patients with marasmus.