Adrenal axis function after high-dose steroid therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Diagnosis and management of secondary adrenal crisis

Adrenal crisis (AC) is a life threatening acute adrenal insufficiency (AI) episode which can occur in patients with primary AI but also secondary AI (SAI), tertiary AI (TAI) and iatrogenic AI (IAI). In SAI, TAI and IAI, AC may develop when the HPA axis is unable to mount an adequate glucocorticoid response to severe stress due to pituitary or hypothalamic disruption. It manifests as an acute deterioration in multi-organ homeostasis that, if untreated, leads to shock and death. Despite the availability of effective preventive strategies, its prevalence is increasing in patients with SAI, TAI and IAI due to more frequent exogenous steroid administration, pituitary immune-related effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors and opioid use in pain management. The delayed diagnosis of acute AI which remains infrequently suspected increases the risk of AC. Its main precipitating factors are infections, emotional distress, surgery, cessation or reduction in GC doses, pituitary infarction or surgical cure of endogenous Cushing's syndrome. In patients not known previously to have SAI/TAI/IAI, recognition of its symptoms, signs, and biochemical abnormalities can be challenging and cause delay in proper diagnosis and therapy. Effective therapy of AC is rapid intravenous administration of hydrocortisone (initial bolus of 100 mg followed by 200 mg/24 h as continuous infusion or bolus of 50 mg every 6 h) and 0.9% saline. In diagnosed patients, preventive education in sick-day rules adjustment of glucocorticoid replacement and hydrocortisone parenteral self-administration must be performed repeatedly by trained health care providers. Strategies to improve the adequate preventive education in patients at risk for secondary AI should be promoted in collaboration with various medical specialist societies and patients support associations.

Exploring Inflammation and Stress as Biological Correlates of Symptoms in Children With Advanced Cancer: A Longitudinal Feasibility Study

Background: Few studies have examined biomarkers of stress and inflammation as underlying mechanisms of symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cancer. This study determined the feasibility of collecting blood and saliva samples across time, described the range and distribution of biomarkers, and explored the association of biomarkers with symptom adverse events (AEs). Method: This longitudinal, prospective repeated-measures single-site feasibility study recruited N  =  10 children (M = 12.5 years) receiving treatment for advanced cancer. Symptom AE data and inflammation (cytokines and C-reactive protein) and physiologic response to stress (salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase) biomarker levels were collected at three time points. Descriptive statistics were used to examine feasibility and acceptability and to summarize symptom AE, stress, and inflammatory biomarker data. A linear regression model was used to determine cortisol diurnal slopes. The relationship between symptom and inflammatory biomarker data was explored and Hedges's g statistic was used to determine its effect size. Results: Participants provided 83% of saliva samples (n  =  199/240) and 185 samples were sufficient to be analyzed. Nurses collected 97% (n  =  29/30) of blood samples. Participants reported the saliva collection instructions, kits, and reminders were clear and helpful. Insomnia, pain, fatigue, and anxiety demonstrated the most medium and large negative effects with inflammatory markers. Symptom AEs demonstrated the highest number of medium and large negative effects with interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-0.53 to -2.00). Discussion: The results indicate longitudinal concurrent collection of symptom and biomarker data is feasible and inflammatory and stress biomarkers merit consideration for inclusion in future studies.

Endocrine health in survivors of adult-onset cancer

Long-term survivors of cancer (ie, the patient who is considered cured or for whom the disease is under long-term control and unlikely to recur) are at an increased risk of developing endocrine complications such as hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunctions, hypogonadisms, osteoporosis, or metabolic disorders, particularly when intensive tumour-directed therapies are applied. Symptom severity associated with these conditions ranges from mild and subclinical to highly detrimental, affecting individual health and quality of life. Although they are usually manageable, many of these endocrine pathologies remain underdiagnosed and untreated for years. To address this challenge, a higher degree of awareness, standardised screening tools, comprehensible treatment algorithms, and a close collaborative effort between endocrinologists and oncologists are essential to early identify patients who are at risk, and to implement appropriate treatment protocols. This Review highlights common symptoms and conditions related to endocrine disorders among survivors of adult-onset cancer, provides a summary of the currently available practice guidelines, and proposes a practical approach to diagnose affected patients among this group.

Adrenal Suppression in Children During the Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Beyond Induction

BACKGROUND

Adrenal suppression (AS) is an iatrogenic, life-threatening condition that can occur after glucocorticoid exposure. Despite recognition that AS occurs after induction phase treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the risk of AS in phases beyond induction is unknown. We conducted a pilot study in pediatric patients with ALL to ascertain whether the risk of AS persists in post-induction phases of treatment.

PROCEDURE

Patients diagnosed between 12 months to younger than 18 years with B or T-ALL and starting any new phase of treatment were eligible for the study. Relapsed or infant ALL were excluded. Low dose ACTH stimulation testing (LDST), measurement of albumin and cortisol binding globulin were performed in all patients. Screening for symptoms of AS was done.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients enrolled in the study. One was diagnosed with clear AS. Five others had a borderline cortisol peak, representing possible mild AS. Symptoms were nonspecific and did not help distinguish patients with normal LDST from those with borderline or abnormal results.

CONCLUSION

Patients on treatment for ALL continue to be at risk of AS beyond induction treatment. Although this risk appears small, physicians must be vigilant as patients may be asymptomatic but could develop adrenal crisis during treatment.

Long-Term Usage of Oral Glucocorticoids Leading to Adrenal Insufficiency: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Systemic glucocorticoid therapy is used worldwide by one to three percent of the general population and 0.5-1.8% on long-term oral glucocorticoid use. It is widely used in conditions such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer to inhibit inflammatory responses. One of the possible undesirable side effects of exogenous corticosteroid treatment is adrenal suppression upon discontinuation of the medication and adrenal insufficiency after utilizing the supraphysiologic doses for more than one month. To prevent patients from the unwanted signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, including fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, anorexia/weight loss, etc., better management of the quantity and frequency of exogenous corticosteroid use, as well as better education before starting its use, is needed. For patients actively on exogenous corticosteroids, a close follow-up must be in place to avoid adrenal suppression after the eventual discontinuation of their use. This review article summarizes the important studies to date on this subject, especially oral glucocorticoid use, and analyzes risks such as dose, duration of exposure, and comorbidities of adrenal insufficiency associated with oral glucocorticoid use. We comprehensively include information on those with primary adrenal insufficiency and pediatric patients, hoping to provide better insight and clinical reference.

Protocol and biomarker strategy for a multi-site randomized controlled trial examining biological mechanisms and dosing of active music engagement in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma and parents

BACKGROUND

Music therapy is a standard palliative care service in many pediatric and adult hospitals; however, most research has focused on the use of music to improve psychosocial dimensions of health, without considering biological dimensions. This study builds on prior work examining psychosocial mechanisms of action underlying an Active Music Engagement (AME) intervention, designed to help manage emotional distress and improve positive health outcomes in young children with cancer and parents (caregivers), by examining its effects on biomarkers of stress and immune function.

METHODS

This two-group randomized controlled trial (R01NR019190) is designed to examine biological mechanisms of effect and dose-response relationships of AME on child/parent stress during the consolidation phase of Acute B- or T-cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma (TLyLy) treatment. Child/parent dyads (n = 228) are stratified (by age, site, risk level) and randomized in blocks of four to the AME or attention control condition. Each group receives one session (30-minutes AME; 20-minutes control) during weekly clinic visits (4 weeks standard risk B-cell ALL; 8 weeks high risk B-cell ALL/T-cell ALL/TLyLy). Parents complete questionnaires at baseline and post-intervention. Child/parent salivary cortisol samples are taken pre- and post-session (sessions 1-4). Child blood samples are reserved from routine draws before sessions 1 and 4 (all participants) and session 8 (high risk participants). We will use linear mixed models to estimate AME's effect on child/parent cortisol. Examining child/parent cortisol as mediators of AME effects on child and parent outcomes will be performed in an ANCOVA setting, fitting the appropriate mediation models using MPlus and then testing indirect effects using the percentile bootstrap approach. Graphical plots and non-linear repeated measures models will be used to examine dose-response relationship of AME on child/parent cortisol.

DISCUSSION

During pediatric cancer treatment there are special challenges that must be considered when measuring cortisol and immune function. In this manuscript we discuss how we addressed three specific challenges through our trial design. Findings from this trial will increase mechanistic understanding of the effects of active music interventions on multiple biomarkers and understanding of dose-response effects, with direct implications for clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04400071.

Cortisol response in children with cancer and fever during chemotherapy: A prospective, observational study using random serum cortisol levels

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids are crucial components of the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. High doses can lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and be causative for an impaired stress response during infection. This study aims to evaluate the cortisol response in pediatric oncologic patients during febrile episodes.

METHODS

Totally, 75 children and adolescents (5 months-18 years) with fever during chemotherapy were consecutively enrolled in this study. In total, 47 patients received glucocorticoids as part of their treatment. Random serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were analyzed in every patient. A low cortisol response (LCR) was defined as a cortisol level < 14.6 μg/dL.

RESULTS

In total, 52 (69%) patients had a cortisol level < 14.6 μg/dL during fever. There was no significant difference between patients who received glucocorticoids and those who did not. Significantly lower cortisol levels were measured ≤7 days after last glucocorticoid intake compared to later time points. Nearly all patients treated with dexamethasone or prophylactic posaconazole demonstrated a LCR under stress (fever).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of an impaired HPA axis in pediatric cancer patients might be underestimated since 69% of the children in our study had a LCR during fever. Intake of dexamethasone, posaconazole and a time period of ≤7 days from the last glucocorticoid intake were additional risk factors for an LCR. However, we could not confirm that patients with a LCR fared worse than patients with a high cortisol response (HCR). Therefore, a different cortisol threshold may be necessary for defining an impaired HPA axis in febrile oncologic patients without concomitant symptoms of AI.

The Assessment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis After Oncological Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

OBJECTIVE

Oncologic treatment can affect the adrenal glands, which in stressful situations may lead to life threatening adrenal crisis. The aim of the study was to assess adrenal function in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors and to identify the best markers for this assessment.

METHODS

Forty-three ALL survivors, mean age 8.5±3.6 years and 45 age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited to the study. ALL patients were assessed once within five years following oncological treatment completion. Fasting blood samples were collected from all participants to measure: fasting blood glucose (FBG); cortisol; aldosterone; plasma renin activity (PRA); dehydroepiandrostendione-sulfate (DHEA-S); and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Moreover, diurnal profile of cortisol levels and 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) were assessed. ALL survivors underwent a test with 1 ug of synthetic ACTH.

RESULTS

The study revealed lower level of PRA (1.94±0.98 ng/mL/h vs 3.61±4.85 ng/mL/h, p=0.029) and higher FBG (4.6±0.38 mmol/L vs 4.41±0.39 mmol/L, p=0.018) in the ALL group compared to controls. UFC correlated with evening cortisol (p=0.015, r=0.26), midnight cortisol (p=0.002, r=0.33), and DHEA-S (p=0.004, r=0.32). UFC also correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.033, r=0.23 and p=0.005, r=0.31, respectively). The ACTH test confirmed impaired adrenal function in 4/43 ALL survivors (9%). Two of the patients who needed permanent hydrocortisone replacement had low UFC, midnight cortisol and DHEA-S levels.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of reviewing adrenal gland functionality after chemo/radiotherapy in ALL survivors. DHEA-S proved to be a good marker to assess the adrenal glands after oncological therapy. Post-treatment disturbances of the adrenal axis could be associated with metabolic complications.

Approach to the Patient With Glucocorticoid-induced Adrenal Insufficiency

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency is caused by exogenous glucocorticoid suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is the most prevalent form of adrenal insufficiency. The condition is important to diagnose given the risk of life-threatening adrenal crisis and impact on patients' quality of life. The diagnosis is made with a stimulation test such as the ACTH test. Until now, testing for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency has often been based on clinical suspicion rather than routinely but accumulating evidence indicates that a significant number of cases will remain unrecognized. During ongoing oral glucocorticoid treatment or initially after withdrawal, ~50% of patients have adrenal insufficiency, but, outside clinical studies, ≤ 1% of patients have adrenal testing recorded. More than 70% of cases are identified during acute hospital admission, where the diagnosis can easily be missed because symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are nonspecific and overlap those of the underlying and intercurrent conditions. Treatment of severe glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency should follow the principles for treatment of central adrenal insufficiency. The clinical implications and thus indication to treat mild-moderate adrenal deficiency after glucocorticoid withdrawal has not been established. Also, the indication of adding stress dosages of glucocorticoid during ongoing glucocorticoid treatment remains unclear. In patients with established glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency, high rates of poor confidence in self-management and delayed glucocorticoid administration in the acute setting with an imminent adrenal crisis call for improved awareness and education of clinicians and patients. This article reviews different facets of glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency and discusses approaches to the condition in common clinical situations.

Glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency in children: Morning cortisol values to avoid LDSST

OBJECTIVES

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency (GI-AI) is a common side effect of glucocorticoid therapy. However, its diagnosis currently relies on the realization of a Low Dose Short Synacthen Test (LD-SST) that requires an outpatient hospital and several blood samples. Our goal was to evaluate whether morning cortisol values could predict the response to LD-SST, in children, to avoid useless dynamic tests and facilitate diagnosis of glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency.

STUDY DESIGN

We recorded data of 91 pediatric patients who underwent a LD-SST in our center between 2016 and 2020 in a retrospective observational study. We selected LD-SST realized following administration of supra-physiologic doses of glucocorticoids during more than 3 weeks and performed at least four weeks after treatment was stopped. Adrenal deficiency was defined as a plasma cortisol concentration inferior to 500 nmol/l at LD-SST.

RESULTS

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in 60% of our cohort. Morning cortisol values were predictive of the response to the LD-SST (AUC ROC 0.78). A plasma cortisol concentration of less than 144 nmol/l predicted glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency with a specificity of 94% and a value over 317 nmol/l predicted recovery of the HPA axis with a sensitivity of 95%. We did not find any other predictive factor for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Morning cortisol values can safely assess recovery of the HPA axis in children treated chronically with glucocorticoids. Using these thresholds, more than 50% of LD-SST could be avoided in children.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Receiving Long-Term Chemotherapy including Corticosteroids: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy and requires long-term and high-dose corticosteroid-based chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical predictors of corticosteroid-associated adrenal insufficiency (AI) in patients with MM receiving long-term chemotherapy. This retrospective study included patients with MM who were administered corticosteroid-based chemotherapy and underwent a rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test between 2005 and 2018. AI was determined by a peak cortisol value < 18 μg/dL after ACTH stimulation. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were evaluated, and the prevalence and clinical risk factors of AI were examined. Of 282 patients with MM who received corticosteroid-based chemotherapy, 142 patients (50.4%) were classified as having AI. There were no differences in age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, and laboratory findings, including serum sodium levels between the AI and no-AI groups. In univariate analysis, the cumulative dose of corticosteroid (odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-0.99; P = 0.020) and megestrol acetate use (OR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.48-4.67; P = 0.001) were associated with the occurrence of AI. Cumulative duration and cumulative dose per duration of corticosteroid use were not associated with the occurrence of AI. However, in the multivariate analysis, only megestrol acetate use was associated with an increased risk of AI (OR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.41-4.60; P = 0.002). Approximately 95.8% of patients with AI had suspicious symptoms or signs of AI. Although clinical symptoms and signs are usually nonspecific, symptomatic patients with MM receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy have sufficient potential for developing AI, particularly when receiving megestrol acetate. These findings can help alert clinicians to consider adrenal suppression following corticosteroid-based chemotherapy in patients with MM.

Stress Axis in the Cancer Patient: Clinical Aspects and Management

Hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis alterations are common in cancer patients, mainly due to the different antitumoral therapies, which lead to several acute and late endocrine side effects. This review summarizes the most recent evidence regarding HPA derangement, both in patients with active neoplasms and in cancer survivors, with particular attention to the impact of the different antitumoral treatments, focusing on the major clinical aspects. While acute hormone failure usually results from injury caused directly by tumor burden or surgical interventions, short- and long-term effects are generally due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, as more recently shown, to different types of targeted- and immuno-therapy. Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is mostly caused by pituitary or hypothalamic injury rather than a direct damage of the adrenal gland. Moreover, other treatments commonly employed as supportive therapy or in the context of palliative care (i.e., glucocorticoids, opioids) can lead to HPA dysfunction. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of stress axis alterations in cancer patients still require clarification. Since AI may represent a life-threatening condition, monitoring adrenal function in cancer patients is mandatory, especially in subjects who experience fatigue or during stress conditions, in order to promptly start replacement treatment when needed.

Adrenal suppression from exogenous glucocorticoids: Recognizing risk factors and preventing morbidity

Adrenal suppression (AS), a potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy (including inhaled corticosteroids), can be associated with significant morbidity and even death. In Canada, adrenal crisis secondary to AS continues to be reported in children. Being aware of symptoms associated with AS, understanding the risk factors for developing this condition, and familiarity with potential strategies to reduce risks associated with AS, are essential starting points for any clinician prescribing glucocorticoids.

Peri-operative steroid management in the paediatric population

BACKGROUND

Patients with adrenal insufficiency are at risk of adrenal crisis, a potentially life-threatening emergency in the peri-operative period due to their attenuated ability to mount a cortisol response. There is a lack of standardization regarding peri-operative stress-dose glucocorticoids in paediatric clinical practice with the absence of agreed protocols. For the individual patient, the risk of adrenal crisis must be weighed against the potential adverse clinical outcomes associated with unnecessary or supra-physiologic glucocorticoid dosing in susceptible patients. Specific clinical concerns in the paediatric population include osteopenia, growth restriction and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. This review aimed to identify and evaluate available literature in the field of peri-operative stress-dose glucocorticoids.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to construct a narrative review.

RESULTS

The outcome of this review identified that paediatric patients, unlike adults, do not show a graded response to surgical stress with implications for glucocorticoid stress dose regimens for general anaesthesia and less invasive surgical procedures. The studies highlight a lack of information on physiological steroid responses to stress situations and differences in the approach to glucocorticoid replacement strategies in the paediatric population.

CONCLUSION

The review identified there is a lack of high-quality paediatric-specific studies evaluating appropriate stress-dose glucocorticoid regimens in paediatric patients with or at risk of adrenal insufficiency. Further research is needed to establish clear evidence-based clinical guidelines for paediatric peri-operative practice regarding steroid stress dosing in adrenal insufficiency. Current knowledge would suggest that a balanced view of risks and benefits should be taken appropriate to the clinical context, to dictate peri-operative stress-dose glucocorticoids use that permits safe perioperative management.

La suppression surrénalienne causée par les glucocorticoïdes exogènes : en reconnaître les facteurs de risque et en prévenir les effets

La suppression surrénalienne, un effet secondaire potentiel du traitement aux glucocorticoïdes (y compris les corticostéroïdes inhalés), peut avoir des conséquences graves et même fatales. Au Canada, on continue de déclarer des poussées d’insuffisance corticosurrénalienne consécutives à une suppression surrénalienne chez les enfants. Avant de prescrire des glucocorticoïdes, le clinicien doit absolument connaître les symptômes de suppression surrénalienne, comprendre les facteurs de risque de cette affection et être au courant des stratégies susceptibles d’en réduire les risques.

Fifteen-minute consultation: An approach to the child receiving glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids (GC) are used in paediatric practice for a broad range of conditions and all paediatricians will prescribe GC, in some form, during their career. A wide variety of GC formulations, doses and administration routes are used for periods of time ranging from days to years. Exposure to exogenous GC can result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression-otherwise known as adrenal suppression (AS). Patients with AS may be well most of the time but if GC therapy is reduced or stopped or if additional endogenous GC cannot be generated during illness, then an absolute or relative lack of GC can result in severe illness or death. Here, we highlight the relevance of AS to all paediatricians by providing an overview of the background and discussing the presentation and approaches to the management of this clinical entity.

Endogenous Glucocorticoid Response to Single-Dose Dexamethasone for Croup in Children: A Pharmacodynamic Study

OBJECTIVES

Dexamethasone is associated with adrenal insufficiency in adults and children with chronic disease. This association has not been studied after single-dose oral dexamethasone, the standard of care for children with croup. We hypothesized that single-dose oral dexamethasone in children with croup is associated with a transient decrease in endogenous glucocorticoids.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, 2-arm, pharmacodynamic study of single-dose oral dexamethasone 0.6 mg/kg (maximum, 12 mg) in children older than 2 years with croup compared with controls (children with febrile upper respiratory tract infections who did not receive dexamethasone). Primary outcome was urinary 6β-hydroxycortisol-cortisol ratio.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven children were analyzed (22 with croup and 5 with upper respiratory tract infections). Median 6β-hydroxycortisol-cortisol ratios before dexamethasone, the following morning, and on days 1, 3, and 7 were 2.8, 2.2, 2.0, 2.8, and 2.6, respectively. Among controls, the median 6β-hydroxycortisol-cortisol ratios at the same time intervals was 1.9, 1.5, 1.8, 2.5, and 1.7, respectively. There were no significant differences in the change from time 0 between groups at any time point. There were no serious adverse events or infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-dose oral dexamethasone is not associated with decreased endogenous corticosteroid levels in children with croup. Future studies should use criterion standard tests to rule out suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and be powered sufficiently to identify adverse clinical outcomes.

Adrenal function after induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children short: adrenal function in ALL

Prednisolone used in the induction phase of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and require hydrocortisone substitution. In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed altogether 371 ACTH stimulation tests of 352 children after a uniform NOPHO (Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) ALL induction. Both low- and standard-dose ACTH tests were used. Full recovery of adrenal function was defined by both normal basal and stimulated cortisol levels. Sixty-two percent of patients were detected with normal adrenal function in median of 15 days after tapering of prednisolone. Both low basal and stimulated cortisol levels were detected in 13% of patients. The median time to normal adrenal function was 31 days (95% CI 28-34), 24 days (95% CI 18-30), and 12 days (95% CI 10-14) for those with basal cortisol <107, 107-183, and >183 nmol/L at first ACTH testing, respectively. Patients with fluconazole prophylaxis had higher median baseline cortisol levels compared to patients without prophylaxis (207 nmol/L, range 21-839 nmol/L vs. 153 nmol/L, range 22-832 nmol/L, P = 0.003).Conclusion: These data can be used to reduce unnecessary substitution or testing, but also to guarantee hydrocortisone substitution for those at risk. What is Known: •These data can be used to reduce unnecessary hydrocortisone substitution or ACTH testing. •Our data helps to guarantee hydrocortisone substitution for those at risk of adrenal insufficiency. What is New: •Full recovery of adrenal function after ALL induction is detected in 62% of patients already at 15 days after tapering of prednisolone. •Both basal and stimulated cortisol testing are required for detection of full adrenal recovery. •Recovery time of adrenal function is extended over 3-4 weeks after tapering of prednisolone in patients with low basal cortisol levels (<107 nmol/L) at first testing.

Adrenal function following acute discontinuation of glucocorticoids in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia: A prospective study

Background: Children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) are enrolled in advanced treatment protocols involving high doses of glucocorticoids (GCs). Current protocols do not advocate tapering of GCs doses postinduction phase. Prolonged administration of supra-physiologic doses of GCs can induce transient suppression of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA). Timely recognition of adrenal insufficiency is important in order to ensure that children at risk receive the necessary treatment and follow-up including stress coverage during illness and surgical procedures. Methods: 21 newly diagnosed patients with ALL aged 3-10 years old were prospectively enrolled in the study over a 2-year period. All enrolled patients received high doses of GCs as part of a chemotherapy treatment protocol. The HPA axis was assessed prior to the induction phase of chemotherapy and 1-2 weeks after un-tapered discontinuation of GCs. Results: All children had normal HPA axis at baseline. Postinduction 1 mcg ACTH stimulation test result was normal (cortisol > 500 nmol/L) in 75% of children and partially responsive in 25% (cortisol 300-500 nmol/L). None of the participants demonstrated clinically significant adrenal insufficiency following abrupt cessation of GCs. Conclusion: All children in our cohort had either normal or subnormal cortisol response during a low dose ACTH stimulation test 1 to 2 weeks following abrupt discontinuation of GCs, suggesting that any inhibition of the HPA axis is of short duration. We suggest that future studies investigate the timing of adrenal function recovery following GC discontinuation as well as whether tapering of the GC should be recommended.

Long-Term Endocrine and Metabolic Consequences of Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review

The number of patients surviving ≥5 years after initial cancer diagnosis has significantly increased during the last decades due to considerable improvements in the treatment of many cancer entities. A negative consequence of this is that the emergence of long-term sequelae and endocrine disorders account for a high proportion of these. These late effects can occur decades after cancer treatment and affect up to 50% of childhood cancer survivors. Multiple predisposing factors for endocrine late effects have been identified, including radiation, sex, and age at the time of diagnosis. A systematic literature search has been conducted using the PubMed database to offer a detailed overview of the spectrum of late endocrine disorders following oncological treatment. Most data are based on late effects of treatment in former childhood cancer patients for whom specific guidelines and recommendations already exist, whereas current knowledge concerning late effects in adult-onset cancer survivors is much less clear. Endocrine sequelae of cancer therapy include functional alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and gonadal regulation as well as bone and metabolic complications. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy all contribute to these sequelae. Following irradiation, endocrine organs such as the thyroid are also at risk for subsequent malignancies. Although diagnosis and management of functional and neoplastic long-term consequences of cancer therapy are comparable to other causes of endocrine disorders, cancer survivors need individually structured follow-up care in specialized surveillance centers to improve care for this rapidly growing group of patients.

Screening practices for paediatric asymptomatic adrenal suppression in Canada: Are we addressing this important risk?

Background

Children with adrenal suppression (AS), a potential side effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) may be asymptomatic, present with nonspecific signs and symptoms or with adrenal crisis. Asymptomatic AS (AAS) can only be diagnosed through screening. Identifying and treating asymptomatic patients before symptoms develop may reduce morbidity. Screening guidelines for AS are lacking. Consequently, screening practices are highly variable.

Objective

To assess (1) the screening practices for and recognition of paediatric AAS among clinicians in Canada and (2) the educational impact of a 2-year surveillance program of symptomatic AS cases.

Methods

Before and after a 2-year Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) study of symptomatic AS, participants were surveyed through the CPSP. The prestudy survey was sent to 2,548 participants in March 2010 and the poststudy survey was sent to 2,465 participants in April 2013.

Results

Response rates were 32% for the prestudy survey and 21% for the poststudy survey. Between the pre- and poststudy surveys, the percentage of physicians who reported routinely screening patients on GCs for AS increased from 10% to 21% and the percentage who reported having a screening policy in their office/centre increased from 6% to 11%. There was no significant change in the percentage of physicians who had diagnosed a child/youth with AAS in the preceding year.

Conclusion

Frequency of screening for AAS increased following the 2-year study but remains low. Development of a clinical practice guideline should increase both awareness of asymptomatic AS among Canadian paediatricians and the identification of AAS, before symptoms develop.

Clinical indicators of adrenal insufficiency following discontinuation of oral glucocorticoid therapy: A Danish population-based self-controlled case series analysis

BACKGROUND

Biochemical adrenal insufficiency induced by glucocorticoid treatment is prevalent, but data on the clinical implications are sparse. We investigated clinical consequences of glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency after oral glucocorticoid cessation.

METHODS

We conducted a Danish population-based self-controlled case series utilizing medical registries. In this design each individual serves as their own control allowing event rates to be compared as a function of time and treatment. Clinical indicators of adrenal insufficiency were defined as diagnoses of gastrointestinal symptoms, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, syncope, hyponatremia, and hypoglycaemia. We included 286,680 persons who discontinued long-term (≥ 3 months) oral glucocorticoid treatment. We defined five risk periods and a reference period (before treatment): period 0 (on treatment), withdrawal period (1 month before and after cessation), followed by three consecutive 2 month-risk periods after withdrawal (periods 2-4).

RESULTS

Median age at cessation was 69 years and 57% were female. Median treatment duration was 297 days and median cumulative dose was 3000 mg prednisolone equivalents. The incidence rates of hypotension, gastrointestinal symptoms, hypoglycemia and hyponatremia were increased in the withdrawal period compared to before treatment started (reference period). Incidence rate ratios comparing the withdrawal period with the reference period were 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-4.3] for hypotension, 1.7 (95% CI: 1.6-1.9) for gastrointestinal symptoms, 2.2 (95% CI: 0.7-7.3) for hypoglycemia, and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.0) for hyponatremia. During 7 months of follow up, the rates of hypotension and gastrointestinal symptoms remained elevated compared to the reference period. Risk factors included use of antibiotics, increasing average daily dose of glucocorticoids, cumulative dose, and age.

CONCLUSION

Oral glucocorticoid withdrawal was associated with adverse outcomes attributable to adrenal insufficiency. Our study underscores the need for future research to establish evidence-based clinical guidance on management of patients who discontinue oral glucocorticoids.

Adrenal suppression from glucocorticoids: preventing an iatrogenic cause of morbidity and mortality in children

Adrenal suppression (AS) is an important side effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). AS can often be asymptomatic or associated with non-specific symptoms until a physiological stress such as an illness precipitates an adrenal crisis. Morbidity and death associated with adrenal crisis is preventable but continues to be reported in children. There is a lack of consensus about the management of children at risk of AS. However, healthcare professionals need to develop an awareness and approach to keep these children safe. In this article, current knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis and management of AS are reviewed while drawing attention to knowledge gaps and areas of controversy. Possible strategies to reduce the morbidity associated with this iatrogenic condition are provided for healthcare professionals.

Transient adrenal insufficiency in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients after chemotherapy with short-course, high-dose corticosteroids

Data on the rate of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in patients receiving short-course and high-dose corticosteroids are limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence of AI in newly diagnosed, diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients after receiving rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone [or prednisolone] (R-CHOP/CHOP) regimen. We enrolled newly diagnosed DLBCL patients who were scheduled to receive 6–8 cycles of R-CHOP/CHOP regimen. One-microgram adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were performed at the study entry and 3 weeks after each cycle of chemotherapy (CMT). AI was defined by a peak-stimulated serum cortisol of less than 18 μg/dL. For patients who had AI after completing a course of CMT, 1-μg ACTH stimulation tests were carried out at 60 and 90 days after the last CMT cycle to assess the duration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis recovery. Ten DLBCL patients were included in this study, with a total of 84 1-μg ACTH stimulation tests. Their mean age was 52 years. AI occurred in 3 out of the 10 patients (30%). The first occurrence of AI was after the third CMT cycle, and the incidence was highest after the fifth cycle. Adrenal function recovered completely 3 to 5 weeks after completing the course of CMT, except for 1 patient, whose HPA axis suppression persisted 90 days after the last CMT cycle. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that a basal cortisol level of < 8.7 μg/dL was predictive of AI, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 72.2%, respectively. Transient HPA axis suppression can occur in DLBCL patients receiving R-CHOP/CHOP regimen. We strongly encourage careful observation and examination for potential adrenal insufficiency in such patients, particularly after the fifth cycle of chemotherapy.

Prolonged adrenal insufficiency after high-dose glucocorticoid in infants with leukemia

Although outcomes for infant leukemia have improved recently, transient adrenal insufficiency is commonly observed during treatment, especially after glucocorticoid administration. We identified three infants with acute leukemia who suffered from prolonged adrenal insufficiency requiring long-term (from 15 to 66 months) hydrocortisone replacement. All infants showed life-threatening symptoms associated with adrenal crisis after viral infections or other stress. Severe and prolonged damage of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is likely to occur in early infants with leukemia, therefore routine tolerance testing to evaluate HPA axis and hydrocortisone replacement therapy are recommended for infants with leukemia to avoid life-threatening complications caused by adrenal crisis.

Brain metastasis: clinical manifestations, symptom management, and palliative care

Patients who have brain metastases can suffer from a medley of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, cognitive impairment, fatigue, and focal deficits. As therapies have evolved, so has the management of these symptoms as patients survive longer. This chapter focuses on the clinical presentation of brain metastases, the treatment of those symptoms, and palliation in end-of-life management. Brain metastases are the most common cerebral malignancy. They can present with various symptoms, which can have significant impact on patients' quality of life throughout the course of their disease. Most of these symptoms are related to direct brain compression from the tumor or from edema. The location of the metastases will determine the focal deficits incurred and most patients will be on a course of steroids tapered according to their clinical status. The chapter includes a list of potential side-effects and considerations for management. Palliative care is an essential and important part of approaching patients with metastases. Early and clear communication about end-of-life decision making is encouraged with multiple easily accessible tools. For patients near the end of life, comfort is the ultimate goal in providing a good quality of life.

Survival among children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the United States, by race and age, 2001 to 2009: Findings from the CONCORD-2 study

BACKGROUND

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. This report describes the survival of children with ALL in the United States using the most comprehensive and up-to-date cancer registry data.

METHODS

Data from 37 state cancer registries that cover approximately 80% of the US population were used. Age-standardized survival up to 5 years was estimated for children aged 0-14 years who were diagnosed with ALL during 2 periods (2001-2003 and 2004-2009).

RESULTS

In total, 17,500 children with ALL were included. The pooled age-standardized net survival estimates for all US registries combined were 95% at 1 year, 90% at 3 years, and 86% at 5 years for children diagnosed during 2001-2003, and 96%, 91%, and 88%, respectively, for those diagnosed during 2004-2009. Black children who were diagnosed during 2001-2003 had lower 5-year survival (84%) than white children (87%) and had less improvement in survival by 2004-2009. For those diagnosed during 2004-2009, the 1-year and 5-year survival estimates were 96% and 89%, respectively, for white children and 96% and 84%, respectively, for black children. During 2004-2009, survival was highest among children aged 1 to 4 years (95%) and lowest among children aged <1 year (60%).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicate that overall net survival from childhood ALL in the United States is high, but disparities by race still exist, especially beyond the first year after diagnosis. Clinical and public health strategies are needed to improve health care access, clinical trial enrollment, treatment, and survivorship care for children with ALL. Cancer 2017;123:5178-89. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression after treatment with glucocorticoid therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids play a major role in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, supraphysiological doses can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. HPA axis suppression resulting in reduced cortisol response may cause an impaired stress response and an inadequate host defence against infection, which remain a cause of morbidity and death. Suppression commonly occurs in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy, but the exact duration is unclear. This review is the second update of a previously published Cochrane review.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the occurrence and duration of HPA axis suppression after (each cycle of) glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 11), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to December 2016), and Embase/Ovid (from 1980 to December 2016). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings (the International Society for Paediatric Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology from 2005 up to and including 2016, and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology from 2014 up to and including 2016), and ongoing trial databases (the International Standard Registered Clinical/Social Study Number (ISRCTN) register via http://www.controlled-trials.com, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) register via www.clinicaltrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) of the World Health Organization (WHO) via apps.who.int/trialsearch) on 27 December 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All study designs, except case reports and patient series with fewer than 10 children, examining effects of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL on HPA axis function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed study selection. One review author extracted data and assessed 'Risk of bias'; another review author checked this information.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 10 studies (total of 298 children; we identified two studies for this update) including two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed adrenal function. None of the included studies assessed the HPA axis at the level of the hypothalamus, the pituitary, or both. Owing to substantial differences between studies, we could not pool results. All studies had risk of bias issues. Included studies demonstrated that adrenal insufficiency occurs in nearly all children during the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid treatment for childhood ALL. Most children recovered within a few weeks, but a small number of children had ongoing adrenal insufficiency lasting up to 34 weeks.Included studies evaluated several risk factors for (prolonged) adrenal insufficiency. First, three studies including two RCTs investigated the difference between prednisone and dexamethasone in terms of occurrence and duration of adrenal insufficiency. The RCTs found no differences between prednisone and dexamethasone arms. In the other (observational) study, children who received prednisone recovered earlier than children who received dexamethasone. Second, treatment with fluconazole appeared to prolong the duration of adrenal insufficiency, which was evaluated in two studies. One of these studies reported that the effect was present only when children received fluconazole at a dose higher than 10 mg/kg/d. Finally, two studies evaluated the presence of infection, stress episodes, or both, as a risk factor for adrenal insufficiency. In one of these studies (an RCT), trial authors found no relationship between the presence of infection/stress and adrenal insufficiency. The other study found that increased infection was associated with prolonged duration of adrenal insufficiency.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that adrenal insufficiency commonly occurs in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL, but the exact duration is unclear. No data were available on the levels of the hypothalamus and the pituitary; therefore, we could draw no conclusions regarding these outcomes. Clinicians may consider prescribing glucocorticoid replacement therapy during periods of serious stress in the first weeks after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. However, additional high-quality research is needed to inform evidence-based guidelines for glucocorticoid replacement therapy.Special attention should be paid to patients receiving fluconazole therapy, and perhaps similar antifungal drugs, as these treatments may prolong the duration of adrenal insufficiency, especially when administered at a dose higher than 10 mg/kg/d.Finally, it would be relevant to investigate further the relationship between present infection/stress and adrenal insufficiency in a larger, separate study specially designed for this purpose.

Recovery of steroid induced adrenal insufficiency

Secondary adrenal insufficiency can result from insufficient stimulation of the adrenal glands due to inadequate secretion or synthesis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This can be caused by hypopituitarism, central nervous system injury (tumors, radiation, and surgery) or long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Glucocorticoids were introduced in the 1950s, and have been used for their anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological effects, and also as replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency. However, chronic glucocorticoid use may lead to suppression of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis through negative feedback. This may lead to secondary adrenal insufficiency. Typically, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis recovers after cessation of glucocorticoids, but the timing of recovery can be variable and can take anywhere from 6-12 months. Understanding the effect of exogenous glucocorticoids on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, recovery of the axis, and tests used to assess the recovery, are crucial to avoid prescribing unnecessary steroid replacement or missing a critical diagnosis with detrimental consequences.

The Clinical and Hormonal Characteristics of Primary Adrenal Lymphomas: The Necessity of Early Detection of Adrenal Insufficiency

Objective To analyze the clinical and endocrine characteristics of patients with primary adrenal lymphoma. Patients We retrospectively reviewed the cases of five patients with primary adrenal lymphoma who were treated in our hospital between April 2004 and March 2015. We investigated the characteristics of the clinical and pathological findings, treatment, prognosis and complications of adrenal insufficiency. Results Adrenal insufficiency, which was confirmed by the laboratory data at the initial presentation, was observed in two cases. One case was complicated by relative adrenal insufficiency during a course of chemotherapy. The plasma adrenaline and urinary adrenaline levels were decreased in four cases and three cases, respectively. Diffusion MRI was radiologically diagnostic. In all of the cases, the patients were pathologically diagnosed with diffuse large-B cell lymphoma and were treated with rituximab and CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone)-like chemotherapy. Two patients received central nervous system prophylaxis with high-dose methotrexate. Four of the patients survived and one patient died during the follow-up period. Conclusion The early detection of adrenal insufficiency and the administration of an appropriate dose of hydrocortisone are necessary during the course of chemotherapy as well as at the initial manifestation. The exclusion of adrenal dysfunction prior to invasive diagnostic procedures, such as CT-guided needle biopsy, is also critical.

ANALYSIS OF INDUCTION PHASE GLUCOCORTICOID USE ON ADRENAL SUPPRESSION IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

Glucocorticoids play an important role in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, supraphysiological doses may cause suppression of the adrenal. Adrenal suppression resulting in reduced cortisol response may cause an inadequate host defence against infections, which remains a cause of morbidity and mortality in children with ALL. The occurrence of adrenal suppression before and after glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL is unclear. The aim of this study is to analysis the effect of glucocorticoid on cortisol levels during induction phase chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A cross-sectional, observational prospective study was conducted to determine the effect of glucocorticoid on cortisol levels in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Patients who met inclusion criteria were given dexamethasone or prednisone therapy for 49 days according to the 2013 Indonesian Chemotherapy ALL Protocol. Cortisol levels were measured on days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56 of induction phase chemotherapy. There were 24 children, among 31 children recruited, who suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Before treatment, the means of cortisol levels were 228.95 ng/ml in standard risk group (prednisone) and 199.67 ng/ml in high risk group (dexamethasone). In standard risk group, the adrenal suppression occurs at about day 56. There was a significant decrement of cortisol levels in high risk group in days 14, 28, 42 against days 0 of induction phase (p=0.001). Both groups displayed different peak cortisol levels after 6 week of induction phase (p=0.028). Dexamethasone resulted in lower cortisol levels than prednisone during induction phase chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Symptomatic adrenal suppression among children in Canada

BACKGROUND

Adrenal suppression (AS) is an under-recognised side effect of glucocorticoid (GC) use. AS may go undetected until a physiological stress precipitates an adrenal crisis. The incidence of AS has not been established. We sought to estimate the minimum national incidence and presenting features of paediatric symptomatic AS.

METHODS

Through the established methodology of the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, over 2500 paediatricians were surveyed monthly for 2 years (April 2010-March 2012) to report new cases of symptomatic AS.

RESULTS

Forty-six cases of symptomatic AS were confirmed. The estimated annual incidence is 0.35/100 000 children aged 0-18 years (95% CI 0.26 to 0.47). The most common presentations were growth failure (35%), non-specific symptoms (28%) or both (13%). Adrenal crisis occurred in six cases (13%). Thirty-seven children (80%) had received inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) alone or in combination with other GC forms. Many children received high but commonly prescribed doses of ICS.

CONCLUSIONS

AS is responsible for significant morbidity in children, including susceptibility to adrenal crisis. The minimal estimated incidence reported is for the entire paediatric population and would be much higher in the at-risk group (ie, children treated with GCs). Close monitoring of growth and possible symptoms of AS, which may be non-specific, are important in children on all forms of GC therapy including ICS. To reduce the risk of AS, physicians must be aware of the risk of AS, revisit GC doses frequently and use the lowest effective dose.

Systematic Review of the Toxicity of Long-Course Oral Corticosteroids in Children

Background

Long courses of oral corticosteroids are commonly used in children in the management of chronic conditions. Various adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are known to occur with their use. This systematic review aimed to identify the most common and serious ADRs and to determine their relative risk levels.

Methods

A literature search of Embase, Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PubMed was performed with no language restrictions in order to identify studies where oral corticosteroids were administered to patients aged 28 days to 18 years of age for at least 15 days of treatment. Each database was searched from their earliest dates to January 2016. All studies providing clear information on ADRs were included.

Results

One hundred and one studies including 33 prospective cohort studies; 21 randomised controlled trials; 21 case series and 26 case reports met the inclusion criteria. These involved 6817 children and reported 4321 ADRs. The three ADRs experienced by the highest number of patients were weight gain, growth retardation and Cushingoid features with respective incidence rates of 21.1%, 18.1% and 19.4% of patients assessed for these ADRs. 21.5% of patients measured showed decreased bone density and 0.8% of patients showed osteoporosis. Biochemical HPA axis suppression was detected in 269 of 487 patients where it was measured. Infection was the most serious ADR, with twenty one deaths. Varicella zoster was the most frequent infection (9 deaths).

Conclusions

Weight gain, growth retardation and Cushingoid features were the most frequent ADRs seen when long-course oral corticosteroids were given to children. Increased susceptibility to infection was the most serious ADR.

Predicting the neurobehavioral side effects of dexamethasone in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Although dexamethasone is an effective treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it can induce a variety of serious neurobehavioral side effects. We hypothesized that these side effects are influenced by glucocorticoid sensitivity at the tissue level. We therefore prospectively studied whether we could predict the occurrence of these side effects using the very low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST) or by measuring trough levels of dexamethasone. Fifty pediatric patients (3-16 years of age) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were initially included during the maintenance phase (with dexamethasone) of the Dutch ALL treatment protocol. As a marker of glucocorticoid sensitivity, the salivary very low-dose DST was used. A post-dexamethasone cortisol level <2.0nmol/L was considered a hypersensitive response. The neurobehavioral endpoints consisted of questionnaires regarding psychosocial and sleeping problems administered before and during the course of dexamethasone (6mg/m(2)), and dexamethasone trough levels were measured during dexamethasone treatment. Patients with a hypersensitive response to dexamethasone had more behavioral problems (N=11), sleeping problems, and/or somnolence (N=12) (P<0.05 for all three endpoints). The positive predictive values of the DST for psychosocial problems and sleeping problems were 50% and 30%, respectively. Dexamethasone levels were not associated with neurobehavioral side effects. We conclude that neither the very low-dose DST nor measuring dexamethasone trough levels can accurately predict dexamethasone-induced neurobehavioral side effects. However, patients with glucocorticoid hypersensitivity experienced significantly more symptoms associated with dexamethasone-induced depression. Future studies should elucidate further the mechanisms by which neurobehavioral side effects are influenced by glucocorticoid sensitivity.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression after treatment with glucocorticoid therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids play a major role in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, supraphysiological doses can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. HPA axis suppression resulting in reduced cortisol response may cause an impaired stress response and an inadequate host defence against infections, which remains a cause of morbidity and death. Suppression commonly occurs in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy, but the exact duration is unclear. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the occurrence and duration of HPA axis suppression after (each cycle of) glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 6, 2014), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to June 2014), and EMBASE/Ovid (from 1980 to June 2014). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings (the International Society for Paediatric Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology from 2005 to 2013), and ongoing trial databases (the ISRCTN register and the NIH register via http://www.controlled-trials.com in June 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

All study designs, except case reports and patient series with fewer than 10 children, examining the effect of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL on the HPA axis function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the study selection. One review author performed the data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessment, which another review author checked.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified eight studies (total of 218 children), including two randomised controlled trials (RCTs), that assessed the adrenal function. None of the studies assessed the HPA axis at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary, or both. Due to substantial differences between studies, we could not pool results. All of the studies had some methodological limitations. The included studies demonstrated that adrenal insufficiency occurs in nearly all children in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid treatment for childhood ALL. The majority of children recovered within a few weeks, but a small number of children had ongoing adrenal insufficiency lasting up to 34 weeks. In the RCTs, the occurrence and duration of adrenal insufficiency did not differ between the prednisone and dexamethasone arms. In one study, it appeared that treatment with fluconazole prolonged the duration of adrenal insufficiency. Furthermore, one of the studies evaluated the presence of infections or stress episodes, or both as a risk factor for adrenal insufficiency. The authors found no relationship between the presence of infection/stress and adrenal insufficiency.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that adrenal insufficiency commonly occurs in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL, but the exact duration is unclear. Since no data on the level of the hypothalamus and the pituitary were available, we cannot make any conclusions regarding those outcomes. Clinicians should consider prescribing glucocorticoid replacement therapy during periods of serious stress in the first weeks after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. However, more high-quality research is needed for evidence-based guidelines for glucocorticoid replacement therapy.Special attention should be paid to patients receiving fluconazole therapy, and perhaps similar antifungal drugs, as this may prolong the duration of adrenal insufficiency.Finally, it would be relevant to further investigate the relationship between present infection/stress and adrenal insufficiency in a larger, separate study specially designed for this purpose.

High incidence of adrenal suppression in children with Kawasaki disease treated with intravenous immunoglobulin plus prednisolone

Combination treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus prednisolone, newly designed for children with severe Kawasaki disease (KD), reduces coronary artery abnormalities significantly. As prednisolone is administered for approximately 20 days in this regimen, we examined whether adrenal function of the treated patients is suppressed. A prospective study was performed at one medical institution in 21 children with KD (age range 0.3-10.4 years, median 3.1 years) who were treated with the regimen between February and June, 2012. We assessed cortisol and ACTH values before the initiation and after the cessation of prednisolone administration as well as peak cortisol and ACTH values at corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation tests, which were repeated 0, 2, and 6 months after the treatment. Morning cortisol and ACTH values after the cessation of prednisolone treatment were suppressed. Peak cortisol values at the first CRH stimulation test ranged from 5.1 to 25.4 μg/dL and were less than 20 μg/dL in 17 of 21 patients, but were restored to more than 14.6 μg/dL in all patients by 6 months after the prednisolone treatment. A significant positive correlation was observed between cortisol values at 09:00 h after the prednisolone treatment and peak cortisol values at the following CRH stimulation test (r = 0.727, p < 0.001). We conclude that adrenal suppression can occur in a high proportion of children with KD treated with IVIG plus prednisolone, despite rather short duration and relatively small amounts of administered glucocorticoids.

Corticosteroid administration is associated with improved outcome of patients presenting high inflammatory cytokine levels during septic shock

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the corticosteroid effects on pediatric hematology/oncology patients with septic shock.

PROCEDURE

We performed a retrospective study by examining data from a prospective observational study in pediatric hematology/oncology patients with septic shock. We compared the clinical features and the outcomes of the patients treated with and without corticosteroid.

RESULTS

One hundred episodes of septic shock were recorded in this study. The 28-day mortality of this cohort was 14.0%. Sixty-eight episodes of shock were treated with corticosteroids while 32 were not. The demographic features and disease severity were comparable between patients with and without corticosteroid treatment. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with improved shock reversal rate (92.6% vs. 78.1%, P = 0.049) and decreased 28-day mortality rate (8.8 ± 3.4% vs. 25.0 ± 7.7%, P = 0.032) in univariate analysis. For patients who received vasopressor support, corticosteroid therapy was associated with shortened duration of vasopressor infusion in univariate analysis as well (median: 44 hour vs. 92 hour, P = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, corticosteroid therapy did not show significant impact on the outcome for the whole cohort (HR = 0.36, P = 0.079), but it decreased the 28-day mortality of patients presenting high inflammatory cytokine levels (HR = 0.29, 95% CI, 0.09-0.95, P = 0.040). Corticosteroid administration did not increase the superinfection rate (24.2% vs. 8.3%, P = 0.134) and did not result in superinfection-related death in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Corticosteroid administration is associated with improved outcome in pediatric hematology/oncology patients presenting high inflammatory cytokine levels during septic shock. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2243-2248. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prospective evaluation of local control and late effects of conformal radiation therapy in children, adolescents, and young adults with high-grade glioma

BACKGROUND

A phase II trial of conformal radiotherapy (CRT) for pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG) was performed to evaluate disease control and late effects.

METHODS

Between July 1997 and January 2003, 34 pediatric patients (median age, 13.2 ± 6.7 years) with HGG were enrolled on an International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements Report 50-compliant prospective trial using CRT with a 2 cm clinical target volume margin. Baseline and serial evaluations were performed to assess functional outcomes.

RESULTS

Median follow-up for the entire group was 18 months (range, 2-134 months). Twenty (58.8%) patients developed local progression, and 6 (17.6%) patients developed distant progression. Progression-free and overall survival at 10 years were 18.8% ± 6.9% and 16.8% ± 6.5%, respectively. At baseline, 40% of patients evaluated for intelligence quotient (IQ) scored below 85. Measures of cognitive function obtained during the first 12 months fit a mixed model with a quadratic function. The relationship between IQ and time was -1.1883 points/month for the linear term and 0.07728 points/month for the quadratic term (P = .0454). IQ decreased between baseline and 6 months and then increased slightly through 12 months. The opposite was found for (all P values of the quadratic term) activities of daily living (P = .0155), socialization (P = .0049), and the composite score (P = .0257) of adaptive behavior.

CONCLUSION

CRT using a 2 cm clinical target volume margin in pediatric HGG demonstrated tumor control comparable to conventional radiation therapy. Disrupted cognitive and adaptive behavioral functioning were present at baseline and throughout the course of disease.

Anesthesia for the child with cancer

Children with cancer undergo a host of surgeries and procedures that require anesthesia during the various phases of the disease. A safe anesthetic plan includes consideration of the direct effects of tumor, toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the specifics of the surgical procedure, drug-drug interactions with chemotherapy agents, pain syndromes, and psychological status of the child. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the anesthetic management of the child with cancer, focuses on a systems-based approach to the impact from both tumor and its treatment in children, and presents a discussion of the relevant anesthetic considerations.

Why glucocorticoid withdrawal may sometimes be as dangerous as the treatment itself

Glucocorticoid therapy is widely used, but withdrawal from glucocorticoids comes with a potential life-threatening risk of adrenal insufficiency. Recent case reports document that adrenal crisis after glucocorticoid withdrawal remains a serious problem in clinical practice. Partly due to difficulties in inter-study comparison the true prevalence of glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency is unknown, but it might be somewhere between 46 and 100% 24h after glucocorticoid withdrawal, 26-49% after approximately one week, and some patients show prolonged suppression lasting months to years. Adrenal insufficiency might therefore be underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Clinical data do not permit accurate estimates of a lower limit of glucocorticoid dose and duration of treatment, where adrenal insufficiency will not occur. Due to individual variation, neither the glucocorticoid dose nor the duration of treatment can be used reliably to predict adrenal function after glucocorticoid withdrawal. Also the recovery rate of the adrenal glands shows individual variation, which may be why there is currently insufficient evidence to prove the efficacy and safety of different withdrawal regimens. Whether a patient with an insufficient response to an adrenal stimulating test develops clinically significant adrenal insufficiency depends on the presence of stress and resulting glucocorticoid demand and it is thus totally unpredictable and can change relative fast. Adrenal insufficiency should therefore always be taken seriously. Individual variation in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function might be due to differences in glucocorticoid sensitivity and might be genetic. Further awareness of the potential side effect of withdrawal of glucocorticoid and further research are urgently needed.

A practical guide to the monitoring and management of the complications of systemic corticosteroid therapy

Systemic corticosteroids play an integral role in the management of many inflammatory and immunologic conditions, but these agents are also associated with serious risks. Osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, Cushing’s syndrome, psychiatric disturbances and immunosuppression are among the more serious side effects noted with systemic corticosteroid therapy, particularly when used at high doses for prolonged periods. This comprehensive article reviews these adverse events and provides practical recommendations for their prevention and management based on both current literature and the clinical experience of the authors.

A search for variables predicting cortisol response to low-dose corticotropin stimulation following supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids

OBJECTIVES

To determine which biological or clinical variables may predict cortisol response to low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation following supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids in children.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective study included all patients who underwent ACTH testing (1 μg) between October 2008 and June 2010 at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Montreal, after supraphysiological doses of glucocorticoids.

RESULTS

Data from 103 patients (median age, 8.0 years; range, 0.6-18.5 years; 57 girls) were analyzed, revealing growth deceleration in 37% and excessive weight gain in 33%. Reasons for glucocorticoid treatment included asthma (n = 30) and hematologic (n = 22), dermatologic (n = 19), rheumatologic (n = 16), and miscellaneous (n = 16) disorders. The following information was recorded: duration of glucocorticoid treatment (median, 374 days; range, 5-4226 days); duration of physiological hydrocortisone replacement (median, 118 days; range, 0-1089 days); maximum daily (median, 200 mg/m(2)/day; range, 12-3750 mg/m(2)/day) and cumulative (median, 16 728 mg/m(2); range, 82-178 209 mg/m(2)) doses, in hydrocortisone equivalents; and interval since the last dose (median, 43 days; range, 1-1584 days). Sixty-two patients (58%) exhibited a normal response (ie, peak cortisol >500 nmol/L) to ACTH stimulation. Peak cortisol level was not related to sex, prior morning cortisol level, duration of treatment, or cumulative glucocorticoid dose; 28% of the patients with normal baseline cortisol levels nevertheless demonstrated a subnormal response to ACTH.

CONCLUSION

Given the absence of clinical or biological predictors of the cortisol response to ACTH after suppressive doses of glucocorticoids, physicians have only 2 options: (1) empirically advocate glucocorticoid stress coverage during 18 months after cessation of high-dose glucocorticoid treatment; or (2) perform serial ACTH testing in all such patients until a normal peak cortisol level is attained.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and healthy controls

Of all malignancies in children, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type. Since survival significantly improves over time, treatment-related side effects become increasingly important. Glucocorticoids play an important role in the treatment of ALL, but they may suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The duration of HPA axis suppression is not yet well defined. The present study aimed at assessing the function of the HPA axis by determining the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and the dexamethasone (DEX) suppression test in children that were treated for childhood ALL, compared to a healthy age and sex matched reference group. In addition, questionnaires regarding sleep, fatigue, depression and quality of life were completed by the children and their parents. Fourty-three survivors who finished their treatment for childhood ALL 37 (interquartile range 22-75) months before and 57 healthy controls were included. No differences in CAR were observed between ALL survivors and the reference group, but survivors of ALL had higher morning cortisol levels and an increased cortisol suppression in response to oral dexamethasone. Higher cortisol levels in childhood ALL survivors were associated with more fatigue and poorer quality of life. We conclude that the experience of a stressful life event in the past may have caused a long-term dysregulation of the HPA axis in childhood ALL survivors, as reflected in an increased cortisol production and an enhanced negative feedback mechanism.

Adrenal insufficiency and response to corticosteroids in hypotensive critically ill children with cancer

BACKGROUND

Assessment and treatment of adrenal axis function in critically ill pediatric patients with oncologic disorders have not been well elucidated. Critically ill children with oncologic disorders may be at increased risk for adrenal insufficiency (AI).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of AI in a cohort of hypotensive patients with oncologic disorders and the correlation of AI with hemodynamic response to corticosteroids.

DESIGN/METHODS

This is a retrospective review of pediatric oncology patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and vasopressor-dependent shock receiving protocol-based adrenocorticotropin testing and steroid supplementation. Vasopressor dose requirements were evaluated before and after the initiation of corticosteroids. Absolute AI (AAI) was defined as baseline cortisol less than 18 μg/dL. Relative AI (RAI) was defined as δ-cortisol less than 9 μg/dL.

RESULTS

Twenty patients received adrenocorticotropin testing; primary diagnoses were 13 hematologic malignancies and 7 solid tumors. The median age was 132 months (range, 4-224 months). The median fluid resuscitation was 80 mL/kg (range, 60-120 mL/kg), with 10 (50%) of 20 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for a median of 12 days. Overall, 10 (50%) of 20 patients met the definition for RAI, 15 (75%) of 20 met the definition for AAI, and 18 (90%) of 20 had either AAI or RAI. All patients received steroids: 18 (90%) of 20 on dopamine and 17 (85%) of 20 on norepinephrine. After the introduction of steroids, dosage of norepinephrine and dopamine was significantly reduced in 4 hours (P = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both RAI and AAI were common in this cohort of critically ill pediatric patients with oncologic disorders. Introduction of steroids was associated with a significant reduction in vasopressors dose.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression after treatment with glucocorticoid therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids play a major role in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, supraphysiological doses may cause suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. HPA axis suppression resulting in reduced cortisol response may cause an impaired stress response and an inadequate host defence against infections, which remains a cause of morbidity and death. The exact occurrence and duration of HPA axis suppression after glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the occurrence and duration of HPA axis suppression after (each cycle of) glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (in The Cochrane Library, issue 3, 2010), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to July 2010) and EMBASE/Ovid (from 1980 to July 2010). In addition, we searched reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings and ongoing trial databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All study designs, except case reports and patient series with fewer than 10 patients, examining the effect of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL on the HPA axis function.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the study selection. One review author performed the data extraction and 'Risk of bias' assessment, which was checked by another review author.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified seven studies (total number of participants = 189), including one randomised controlled trial (RCT), which assessed the adrenal function. None of the studies assessed the HPA axis at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary, or both. Due to substantial differences between studies, results could not be pooled. All studies had some methodological limitations. The included studies demonstrated that adrenal insufficiency occurs in nearly all patients in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid treatment for childhood ALL. The majority of patients recovered within a few weeks, but a small amount of patients had ongoing adrenal insufficiency lasting up to 34 weeks. In the RCT, the occurrence and duration of adrenal insufficiency did not differ between the prednisolone and dexamethasone arms. In one study included in the review it appeared that treatment with fluconazole prolonged the duration of adrenal insufficiency.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, we conclude that adrenal insufficiency commonly occurs in the first days after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL, but the exact duration is unclear. Since no data on the level of the hypothalamus and the pituitary were available we cannot make any conclusions regarding those outcomes. Clinicians should consider prescribing glucocorticoid replacement therapy during periods of serious stress in the first weeks after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy for childhood ALL, to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. However, more high-quality research is needed for evidence-based guidelines for glucocorticoid replacement therapy.Special attention should be paid to patients receiving fluconazole therapy, and perhaps similar antifungal drugs, as this may prolong the duration of adrenal insufficiency.

Recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in children and adolescents after surgical cure of Cushing's disease

CONTEXT

Recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for Cushing's disease (CD) in children has not been adequately studied.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess time to recovery of the HPAA after TSS in children with CD.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a case series at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

PATIENTS

Fifty-seven patients with CD (6-18 yr, mean 13.0 ± 3.1 yr) given a standard regimen of glucocorticoid tapering after TSS were studied out of a total of 73 recruited.

INTERVENTIONS

ACTH (250 μg) stimulation tests were administered at approximately 6-month intervals for up to 36 months. Age, sex, pubertal status, body mass index, length of disease, midnight cortisol, and urinary free cortisol at diagnosis were analyzed for effects on recovery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was complete recovery of the HPAA as defined by a cortisol level of at least 18 μg/dl in response to 250 μg ACTH.

RESULTS

Full recovery was reached by 43 (75.4%) of 57 patients, with 29 of the 43 (67.4%) and 41 of the 43 (95.3%) recovering by 12 and 18 months, respectively. The overall mean time to recovery was 12.6 ± 3.3 months. Kaplan-Meier survivor function estimated a 50% chance of recovering by 12 months after TSS and 75% chance of recovering within 14 months. By receiver operating characteristic curve assessment, the cutoff of at least 10-11 μg/dl of cortisol as the peak of ACTH stimulation testing at 6 months after TSS yielded the highest sensitivity (70-80%) and specificity (64-73%) to predict full recovery of the HPAA at 12 months. Two of the four patients that recovered fully within 6 months had recurrent CD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this is not a randomized study, we present our standardized tapering regimen for glucocorticoid replacement after TSS that led to recovery of the HPAA in most patients within the first postoperative year. Multiple factors may affect this process, but an early recovery may indicate disease recurrence.