Deletion of the C4-CYP21 repeat module leading to the formation of a chimeric CYP21P/CYP21 gene in a 9.3-kb fragment as a cause of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

plasma) (15 ), of vitamin E (carried in lipoproteins together with cholesterol) and other antioxidants (16 ), and in sepsis, with reduced antioxidant protection by sulfur amino acids (17 ). In sepsis, it is also related to impaired energy and amino acid disposal, which is partly reversed by increasing the amino acid supply (2, 18). Recent studies also suggest that cholesterol becomes an essential substance in extreme illness (19 ). At present, however, the main clinical implication of severe hypocholesterolemia in acute states is the need for rapid treatment and resolution of the underlying illness.