Low Impact of Urinary Cortisol in the Assessment of Hydrocortisone Replacement Therapy

Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Recent Updates and New Directions for Diagnosis and Management

Secondary adrenal insufficiency is the most common subtype of adrenal insufficiency; it is caused by certain medications and pituitary destruction (pituitary masses, inflammation, or infiltration) and is rarely associated with certain germline variants. In this review, we discuss the etiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of secondary adrenal insufficiency and focus on the diagnostic and management challenges. We also review the management of selected special populations of patients and discuss patient-important outcomes associated with secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Novel insights into glucocorticoid replacement therapy for pediatric and adult adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is defined as impaired adrenocortical hormone synthesis. According to its source, the deficit is classified as primary (adrenal steroidogenesis impairment), secondary (pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone deficit) or tertiary (hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone deficit). The management of adrenal insufficiency resides primarily in physiological replacement of glucocorticoid secretion. Standard glucocorticoid therapy is shrouded in several controversies. Along the difficulties arising from the inability to accurately replicate the pulsatile circadian cortisol rhythm, come the uncertainties of dose adjustment and treatment monitoring (absence of reliable biomarkers). Furthermore, side effects of inadequate replacement significantly hinder the quality of life of patients. Therefore, transition to circadian hydrocortisone therapy gains prominence. Recent therapeutic advancements consist of oral hydrocortisone modified-release compounds (immediate, delayed and sustained absorption formulations) or continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion. In addition to illustrating the current knowledge on conventional glucocorticoid regimens, this review outlines the latest research outcomes. We also describe the management of pediatric patients and suggest a novel strategy for glucocorticoid replacement therapy in adults.

Increased Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Adrenal Insufficiency: A Short Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in the world. Recent studies have shown an association between adrenal insufficiency (AI) and increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Patients with AI receive glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy which can lead to varying levels of blood cortisol. It was shown that these imbalances in blood cortisol may lead to a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease, major adverse coronary events, and increased mortality. GC substitution is essential in the treatment of AI without which the disease has been shown to be fatal. The most frequently used GC formula for replacement therapy is hydrocortisone (HC). There is no uniform opinion on hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Alternative GC such as prednisolone is also in use. Overreplacement of GC may lead to adverse effects including obesity, high blood pressure, and hyperglycaemia. Outcome may vary between primary and secondary AI mainly due to differences in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Furthermore, decreased blood levels of cortisol may lead to a compensatory secretion of inflammatory mediators such as Interleukin-1 (IL-1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and/or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF). Physicians and patients should be properly educated about the increased risk of CVD in patients with AI.