This article reviews the measurement methods for serum 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), compares its immunoassay with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry measurements, and the factors that affect serum 17OHP levels. Diseases that can cause elevated 17OHP levels include congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal tumors, ovarian tumors, diabetes, and others. We summarize the clinical characteristics and chemical spectra of the adrenal steroid biosynthesis pathway for CAH subtypes with increased 17OHP, focusing on 21-hydroxylase deficiency. For females, it is recommended to measure 17OHP using mass spectrometry during the early follicular phase. To identify CAH subtypes and evaluate the ideal treatment dosage of steroids, it is more meaningful to investigate the optimal adrenal steroid spectrum panels in the future.

17α-hydroxyprogesterone; Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; Spectrum of adrenal steroids; Congenital adrenal hyperplasia; Adrenal tumor