[A comparative evaluation of methods of determining melanogen in the urine of patients with steroid-dependent bronchial asthma].

Fifty-four patients with steroid-dependent asthma of varying severity during exacerbation were examined to compare the efficacies of urinary melanogen measurement techniques. Jaksch's, Tormelen's methods, and the technique with 2M sulfuric acid were used. The tests were positive in but 3 (15%) patients with a medium severe course of the process and in 23 (68%) ones with a grave condition. Jaksch's and Tormelen's tests were similar in sensitivity, and the hydrochloric acid test was less demonstrative. Melanuria manifestation may be regarded as an early preclinical sign of adrenal insufficiency. Pigment metabolism studies in patients treated with steroids for a long time may be used as an extra method for the assessment of adrenocortical function and for monitoring the course of glucocorticosteroid therapy.