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Beuschlein F, Else T, Bancos I, Hahner S, Hamidi O, van Hulsteijn L, Husebye ES, Karavitaki N, Prete A, Vaidya A, Yedinak C, Dekkers OM. European Society of Endocrinology and Endocrine Society Joint Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and therapy of glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:G25-G51. [PMID: 38714321 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are widely prescribed as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. This results in at least 1% of the population using chronic glucocorticoid therapy, being at risk for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency. This risk is dependent on the dose, duration and potency of the glucocorticoid, route of administration, and individual susceptibility. Once glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency develops or is suspected, it necessitates careful education and management of affected patients. Tapering glucocorticoids can be challenging when symptoms of glucocorticoid withdrawal develop, which overlap with those of adrenal insufficiency. In general, tapering of glucocorticoids can be more rapidly within a supraphysiological range, followed by a slower taper when on physiological glucocorticoid dosing. The degree and persistence of HPA axis suppression after cessation of glucocorticoid therapy are dependent on overall exposure and recovery of adrenal function varies greatly amongst individuals. This first European Society of Endocrinology/Endocrine Society joint clinical practice guideline provides guidance on this clinically relevant condition to aid clinicians involved in the care of patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University of Zürich (USZ) and University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- The LOOP Zurich Medical Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Else
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic Rocheste r, MN 55905, US
- Joint appointment in Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN 55905, US
| | - Stefanie Hahner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Oksana Hamidi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Leonie van Hulsteijn
- European Society of Endocrinology, Bristol, UK
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eystein S Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen
| | - Niki Karavitaki
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alessandro Prete
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Yedinak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. A possible unwanted effect of glucocorticoid treatment is suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Factors affecting the risk of glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency (GI-AI) include the duration of glucocorticoid therapy, mode of administration, glucocorticoid dose and potency, concomitant drugs that interfere with glucocorticoid metabolism, and individual susceptibility. Patients with exogenous glucocorticoid use may develop features of Cushing's syndrome and, subsequently, glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome when the treatment is tapered down. Symptoms of glucocorticoid withdrawal can overlap with those of the underlying disorder, as well as of GI-AI. A careful approach to the glucocorticoid taper and appropriate patient counseling are needed to assure a successful taper. Glucocorticoid therapy should not be completely stopped until recovery of adrenal function is achieved. In this review, we discuss the factors affecting the risk of GI-AI, propose a regimen for the glucocorticoid taper, and make suggestions for assessment of adrenal function recovery. We also describe current gaps in the management of patients with GI-AI and make suggestions for an approach to the glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome, chronic management of glucocorticoid therapy, and education on GI-AI for patients and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Prete
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Co-Occurrence of Exogenous and Endogenous Cushing’s Syndromes—Dilemma in Diagnosis. Case Rep Endocrinol 2019; 2019:2986312. [PMID: 31737375 PMCID: PMC6815529 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2986312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Approach to patients who manifest with features of Cushing's syndrome often begin with exclusion of exposure to excessive exogenous source of glucocorticoids (GC). Most guidelines advocate no further assessment if excessive exogenous GC use is present. We present a case of a 66-year-old lady who was noted to have typical features of Cushing's syndrome. As she gave a very clear history of ingesting exogenous GC for a year, no further work up was undertaken. Despite cessation of GC for a year, she continued to have thin skin and easy bruising. Upon admission for hypertensive emergency, her clinician took note of her changes and investigated her for endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Her cortisol post overnight dexamethasone suppression test was 707 nmol/l. Post low dose dexamethasone suppression test yielded a cortisol of 1133.2 nmol/l. 24 hours urine cortisol was 432.2 nmol/l. Plasma ACTH was 1.1 pmol/l, indicating an ACTH independent Cushing's syndrome. We proceeded with Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of adrenals which revealed a right adrenal adenoma measuring 4.4 × 3.4 × 4.0 cm. Right retroperiteneoscopic adrenalectomy was done. Histopathology examination was consistent with adrenal cortical adenoma with foci of myelolipoma. Post adrenalectomy she developed hypocortisolism secondary to contralateral adrenal suppression which lasted up to the present date. Her cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations improved substantially. Co-occurrence of endogenous and exogenous Cushing's syndromes is uncommon but should be considered in patients whose Cushingnoid features do not resolve after cessation of exogenous GC.
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Owa T, Mimura K, Kakigano A, Matsuzaki S, Kumasawa K, Endo M, Tomimatsu T, Kimura T. Pregnancy outcomes in women with different doses of corticosteroid supplementation during labor and delivery. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2017; 43:1132-1138. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takao Owa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Kazuya Mimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Aiko Kakigano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Shinya Matsuzaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Keiichi Kumasawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Masayuki Endo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Takuji Tomimatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
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Abstract
: Adrenal diseases--including disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, pheochromocytoma, primary hyperaldosteronism and congenital adrenal hyperplasia--are relatively rare in pregnancy, but a timely diagnosis and proper treatment are critical because these disorders can cause maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Making the diagnosis of adrenal disorders in pregnancy is challenging as symptoms associated with pregnancy are also seen in adrenal diseases. In addition, pregnancy is marked by several endocrine changes, including activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The aim of this article was to review the pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and management of various adrenal disorders during pregnancy.
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Abstract
Adrenal disorders in pregnancy are relatively rare, yet can lead to significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Making a diagnosis is challenging as pregnancy may alter the manifestation of disease, many signs and symptoms associated with pregnancy are also seen in adrenal disease, and the fetal-placental unit alters the maternal endocrine metabolism and hormonal feedback mechanisms. The most common cause of Cushing's syndrome in pregnancy is an adrenal adenoma, followed by pituitary etiology, adrenal carcinoma, and other exceedingly rare causes. Medical therapy of Cushing's syndrome includes metyrapone and ketoconazole, but generally surgical treatment is more effective. Exogenous corticosteroid administration is the most common cause of adrenal insufficiency, followed by the endogenous causes of ACTH or CRH secretion. Primary adrenal insufficiency is least common. A low early morning cortisol <3 mcg/dL (83 mmol/L) in the non-stressed state and in the setting of typical clinical symptoms confirms the diagnosis. In the second and third trimester cortisol rises to levels 2-3 fold above those in the non-pregnant state, therefore a baseline level of <30 mcg/dL (823 mmol/L) warrants further evaluation. ACTH stimulated normal cortisol values have been established for each trimester. Hydrocortisone, which does not cross the placenta, is the glucocorticoid treatment of choice, and fludrocortisone is used as mineralocorticoid replacement in patients with primary disease. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an autosomal recessive disorder; 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is the most common form of the disease. Non-classical 21OHD is most common, followed by the salt-wasting and simple virilizing forms. The treatment of choice for pregnant women affected with CAH is hydrocortisone, and fludrocortisones is added for those with the salt-wasting form of the disease. If the fetus is at risk for classical CAH, dexamethasone treatment can be used prenatally to prevent masculinization of the genitalia in a female infant. Because dexamethasone crosses the placenta, it should not be used to treat pregnant women with CAH if the fetus is not at risk for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Lekarev
- Adrenal Steroid Disorders Group, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Colon, Rectum, and Anus. Surgery 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-68113-9_52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Romanholi DJ, Salgado LR. Síndrome de Cushing exógena e retirada de glicocorticóides. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 51:1280-92. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302007000800014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2007] [Accepted: 08/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glicocorticóides são amplamente utilizados na prática clínica para o controle da atividade de doenças auto-imunes, inflamatórias, alérgicas e outras entidades nosológicas. Doses terapêuticas de glicocorticóides são muita vezes administradas inapropriadamente e isto é um problema particular, pois a terapia crônica tem muitos efeitos colaterais que se estendem desde a supressão do eixo hipotálamo-hipofisário-adrenal e síndrome de Cushing até infecções e alterações do status mental. Fatores que influenciam tanto nos efeitos adversos quanto nos terapêuticos dos glicocorticóides incluem propriedades farmacocinéticas do glicocorticóide, dose diária, diferenças individuais no metabolismo esteróide e duração do tratamento. Quando utilizados para o controle da atividade destas doenças, quatro aspectos da retirada de glicocorticóide merecem atenção especial. Primeiro, a doença tratada pelo esteróide pode recorrer. Segundo, o eixo hipotálamo- hipófise-adrenal pode permanecer suprimido por um longo período. Terceiro, muitas vezes desenvolve-se dependência psicológica a esses hormônios. Quarto, uma síndrome de retirada inespecífica pode desenvolver mesmo enquanto os pacientes estão recebendo doses de reposição fisiológica de glicocorticóides. A gravidade da síndrome de retirada depende da fase e o grau de dependência e inclui sintomas tais como anorexia, náusea, vômitos, perda de peso, fadiga, mialgias, artralgias, cefaléia, dor abdominal, letargia, hipotensão postural, febre e descamação da pele.
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Irving PM, Gearry RB, Sparrow MP, Gibson PR. Review article: appropriate use of corticosteroids in Crohn's disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007; 26:313-29. [PMID: 17635367 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroids are a well-established treatment for active Crohn's disease and have been widely used for decades. It has become apparent, however, that a proportion of patients either fails to respond to corticosteroids or is unable to withdraw from them without relapsing. Furthermore, their use is associated with a range of side effects, such that long-term treatment carries unacceptable risk. AIM To review the evidence regarding the appropriate use of corticosteroids in Crohn's disease, along with their side effects, safety and alternatives. METHODS To collect relevant articles, a PubMed search was performed from 1966 to November 2006 using the terms 'steroid', 'corticosteroid', 'glucocorticoid', 'prednisolone', 'prednisone', 'methylprednisolone', 'hydrocortisone', 'dexamethasone' and 'budesonide' in combination with 'Crohn(s) disease'. Relevant articles were reviewed, as were their reference lists to identify further articles. RESULTS When used correctly, corticosteroids are a highly effective, well tolerated, cheap and generally safe treatment for active Crohn' disease. Nevertheless, approximately 50% of recipients will either fail to respond (steroid-resistant) or will be steroid dependent at 1 year. Newer alternatives to corticosteroids are not, however, without risk themselves and, moreover, are not necessarily available universally. CONCLUSIONS Steroids are used widely to treat Crohn's disease, a situation that is unlikely to change in the near future. Accordingly, efforts should be made to ensure that they are used correctly and that their side effects are minimized. Reference is made to recently published guidelines and a simplified 'users guide' is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Irving
- Department of Gastroenterology, Box Hill Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Lindsay JR, Nieman LK. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in pregnancy: challenges in disease detection and treatment. Endocr Rev 2005; 26:775-99. [PMID: 15827110 DOI: 10.1210/er.2004-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy dramatically affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis leading to increased circulating cortisol and ACTH levels during gestation, reaching values in the range seen in Cushing's syndrome (CS). The cause(s) of increased ACTH may include placental synthesis and release of biologically active CRH and ACTH, pituitary desensitization to cortisol feedback, or enhanced pituitary responses to corticotropin-releasing factors. In this context, challenges in diagnosis and management of disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in pregnancy are discussed. CS in pregnancy is uncommon and is associated with fetal morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis may be missed because of overlapping clinical and biochemical features in pregnancy. The proportion of patients with primary adrenal causes of CS is increased in pregnancy. CRH stimulation testing and inferior petrosal sinus sampling can identify patients with Cushing's disease. Surgery is a safe option for treatment in the second trimester; otherwise medical therapy may be used. Women with known adrenal insufficiency that is appropriately treated can expect to have uneventful pregnancies. Whereas a fetal/placental source of cortisol may mitigate crisis during gestation, unrecognized adrenal insufficiency may lead to maternal or fetal demise either during gestation or in the puerperium. Appropriate treatment and management of labor are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Lindsay
- Reproductive Biology and Medicine Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1109, USA
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Hopkins RL, Leinung MC. Exogenous Cushing's syndrome and glucocorticoid withdrawal. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2005; 34:371-84, ix. [PMID: 15850848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2005.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid therapy in various forms is extremely common for a wide range of inflammatory, autoimmune, and neoplastic disorders. It is therefore important for the physician to be aware of the possibility of both iatrogenic and factitious Cushing's syndrome. Although most common with oral therapy, it is also important to be alert to the fact that all forms of glucocorticoid delivery have the potential to cause Cushing's syndrome. Withdrawal from chronic glucocorticoid therapy presents significant challenges. These include the possibility of adrenal insufficiency after discontinuation of steroid therapy, recurrence of underlying disease as the glucocorticoid is being withdrawn, and the possibility of steroid withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, with patience and persistence, a reasonable approach to withdrawal of glucocorticoid therapy can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Hopkins
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12008, USA
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