scholarly journals Comparing the utility of 30- and 60-minute cortisol levels after the standard short synacthen test to determine adrenal insufficiency

Medicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (43) ◽  
pp. e22621
Author(s):  
Muhammad Imran Butt ◽  
Nouf Alzuhayri ◽  
Lama Amer ◽  
Muhammad Riazuddin ◽  
Hadeel Aljamei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Synacthen Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Short Synacthen Test

Do we need 30 min cortisol measurement in the short synacthen test: a retrospective study

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (1138) ◽  
pp. 467-472
Author(s):  
Rajeev Kumar ◽  
Peter Carr ◽  
Kimberley Moore ◽  
Zeeshan Rajput ◽  
Louise Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Late Response ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
Insufficient Response ◽  
Group A ◽  
Synacthen Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Group B ◽  
Short Synacthen Test

ObjectiveThe short synacthen test (SST) is widely used across the UK to assess adrenal reserve but there remains no consensus on the timing of cortisol sampling to help diagnose adrenal insufficiency. The main objective of our study was to see if both 30 and 60 min sample are required following administration of synacthen to investigate suspected adrenal insufficiency (AI).DesignThis was a single-centre retrospective study of 393 SSTs measuring 0, 30 and 60 min cortisol levels after administration of 250 µg of synacthen.Patients and methodsAll the SSTs for patients suspected of primary or secondary AI between April 2016 and October 2018 were included in this study. The tests were performed as per our hospital protocol. A post-adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cortisol response of 420 nmol/L at any time point was considered adequate to rule out AI. The data were analysed to ascertain the proportion of patients who achieved this level at 30 and/or 60 min.ResultsA total of 393 SST results were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether (group A) or not (group B) they were on steroids. Overall, a total of 313 (79.6%) subjects achieved cortisol level of ≥420 nmol/L at 30 and 60 min while 19 (4.8%) had late response (ie, insufficient 30 min cortisol levels, rising to ≥420 nmol/L at 60 min). Another 61 subjects (15.5%) showed insufficient response at both 30 and 60 min (ie, failed to achieved level of ≥420 nmol/L). Importantly, there was no patient in either group who had adequate response at 30 min and then failed at 60 min. Patients in group A were more likely to have inadequate response at both 30 and 60 min while patients in group B were more likely to have normal response at both time points.ConclusionsOur results suggest that about 5% of people undergoing SST may be inappropriately diagnosed as having AI (and subjected to long-term unnecessary steroid treatment) if the 60 min sample is not maintained. We suggest that 30 min sample does not add any additional diagnostic utility and can be omitted thus simplifying SST even further and saving on cost and resources. We propose that single measurement after 60 min of administration of synthetic ACTH is a sufficient screening test for AI.

scholarly journals P77 What is the role of cortisol and short Synacthen testing in patients weaning off long term glucocorticoids?

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Smith ◽  
Mohammed Akil
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Prednisolone Dose ◽  
Morning Cortisol ◽  
Starting Dose ◽  
Synacthen Test ◽  
Short Synacthen Test ◽  
Age Range

Abstract Background Many rheumatological conditions are treated with steroids. Patients on long-term steroids are known to be at risk of adrenal insufficiency especially when withdrawing them. Sheffield Teaching Hospital (STH) Endocrinologists advised the following protocol for patients reducing steroids to determine hypothalamic pituitary adrenal status and confirm safe onward withdrawal of steroids:- After 1 month on 3mg prednisolone measure 9am serum cortisol and ACTH (after 24 hours off steroid)- If cortisol <150nmol/L or < 200nmol/L and ACTH <10pg/mL - refer Endocrinology- If cortisol 200-430nmol/L (or > 150nmol/L and ACTH >10pg/mL) arrange short Synacthen test (SST). If 30-minute cortisol <430nmol/L - refer Endocrinology. If 30 minute cortisol >430nmol/L - stop steroids and monitor for adrenal insufficiency (give hydrocortisone 20mg TDS to cover illness for 3 months after stopping prednisolone). Methods We performed a retrospective review of records of rheumatology patients having morning cortisol level checked July 2017-January 2019 to determine how many tests were abnormal and to what degree the results changed management. Results 160 cortisol tests were performed. 36 were excluded from further analysis. Of the 124 cases reviewed: 80 females and 44 males. Age range 18-87; mean 64 years. Starting dose of prednisolone 5-60mg. Duration of steroid use 6 months to > 10 years; modal duration 13-24 months (49 patients/40%). 59 patients/48% were taking other immunosuppressants. Prednisolone dose at cortisol testing 1-5mg; modal value 3mg (89 patients/72%). 12 patients/10% had a normal morning cortisol. 9 patients/7% fell into the group ‘cortisol <150nmol/L refer Endocrinology.’ 103 patients/83% fell into the group requiring SST. 79 patients had an SST (out of an expected 112). 58/73% were normal. 17 patients/81% with abnormal SST were referred to Endocrinology. 11/65% were advised to wean prednisolone as per normal rheumatology practice of 1mg per month; 1/6% to continue prednisolone and repeat SST in 2-3 months; 3/18% to commence hydrocortisone. 2/12% had not yet been seen. Of the patients with abnormal SST: 8 females and 13 males. Age range 32-87; mean 67 years. Starting dose of prednisolone 5-40mg. Duration on steroids 6 months to > 10 years; modal duration 13-24 months in 9 patients/43%. 12 patients/57% were on other forms of immunosuppression. Conclusion Endocrinology guidance changed the management of 3 patients/2% by the introduction of hydrocortisone compared with previous rheumatology standard practice of weaning prednisolone by 1mg per month or similar. No distinctive characteristics were identified in patients with abnormal SST, except for a greater proportion of men (35% of whole group: 62% of abnormal SST group). Given the limited impact of the investigations, and the shortage of Synacthen, a new protocol has been implemented: if morning cortisol <300nmol/L, or 300-350nmol/L and symptoms - contact Endocrinology for SST; if 30 minute cortisol <430nmol/L - refer Endocrinology; otherwise wean prednisolone as normal. Disclosures R. Smith None. M. Akil Honoraria; AbbVie, Actelion, Celgene, Astra Zenica, Lilly and UCB.

scholarly journals Low-dose short synacthen test with salivary cortisol in patients with suspected central adrenal insufficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1189-1199
Author(s):  
Filippo Ceccato ◽  
Elisa Selmin ◽  
Giorgia Antonelli ◽  
Mattia Barbot ◽  
Andrea Daniele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Glucocorticoid Treatment ◽  
Basal Serum ◽  
Diagnostic Threshold ◽  
Synacthen Test ◽  
Central Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Short Synacthen Test

Context The low-dose short synacthen test (LDSST) is recommended for patients with suspected central adrenal insufficiency (AI) if their basal serum cortisol (F) levels are not indicative of an intact hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Objective To evaluate diagnostic threshold for salivary F before and 30 min after administering 1 μg of synacthen, performed before 09:30 h. Design A cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2020. Setting A tertiary referral university hospital. Patients In this study, 174 patients with suspected AI, 37 with central AI and 137 adrenal sufficient (AS), were included. Main outcome measure The diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP)) of serum and salivary F levels measured, respectively, by chemiluminescence immunoassay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results Low basal serum or salivary F levels could predict AI. For the LDSST, the best ROC-calculated threshold for serum F to differentiate AI from AS was 427 nmol/L (SE 79%, SP 89%), serum F > 500 nmol/L reached SP 100%. A salivary F peak > 12.1 nmol/L after administering synacthen reached SE 95% and SP 84% for diagnosing central AI, indicating a conclusive reduction in the likelihood of AI. This ROC-calculated threshold for salivary F was similar to the 2.5th percentile of patients with a normal HPA axis, so it was considered sufficient to exclude AI. Considering AS those patients with salivary F > 12.1 nmol/L after LDSST, we could avoid unnecessary glucocorticoid treatment: 99/150 subjects (66%) had an inadequate serum F peak after synacthen, but salivary F was >12.1 nmol/L in 79 cases, who could, therefore, be considered AS. Conclusions Salivary F levels > 12.1 nmol/L after synacthen administration can indicate an intact HPA axis in patients with an incomplete serum F response, avoiding the need to start glucocorticoid replacement treatment.

Cortisol Levels in Glucagon Stimulation Test in Children Assessed for Short Stature: Clinical and Laboratorial Correlations

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 798-804
Author(s):  
Olga Maliachova ◽  
Meropi Dimitriadou ◽  
Panagiota Triantafyllou ◽  
Aris Slavakis ◽  
Athanasios Christoforidis
Keyword(s):  
Short Stature ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Provocation Test ◽  
Cortisol Response ◽  
Glucagon Test ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Synacthen Test ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Low Cortisol ◽  
Short Synacthen Test

AbstractTo assess total cortisol levels in children being evaluating for short stature with normal cortisol reserve and to correlate this response to clinical and laboratory data. Children assessed with glucagon test in our department were recruited in this study retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were: i) age>1 year, ii) absence of chronic illness or medication interfering with ACTH-cortisol axis, iii) GH stimulation levels>3ng/mL at least in one provocation test (glucagon or clonidine), iv) absence of multiple pituitary growth hormone deficiencies, v) normal short Synacthen test in cases of low cortisol response in glucagon test.Two hundred and thirty-seven subjects (160 males, 67.5%) with a mean age of 9.02±3.19 years, were finally included in the analysis. Cortisol peak levels but not cortisol AUC were significantly increased in females compared to males (26.83±7.31 μg/dl vs. 24.04±7.20 μg/dl). When linear correlations were studied, both cortisol peak levels and cortisol AUC were linearly but inversely correlated to age (r=−0.234, p<0.001 and r=−0.315, p<0.001, respectively). Finally, cortisol AUC was inversely correlated to weight Z-scores (r=−0.160, p=0.014). When our analysis was limited only to subjects with intact GH response (GH peak> 7 ng/mL), age was still inversely correlated to cortisol AUC (r=−0.312, p<0.001), and cortisol AUC was linearly correlated to GH AUC assessed with clonidine test (r=0.223, p=0.013). Girls, younger and thinner children exhibit higher cortisol response to glucagon test.

scholarly journals Utility of the low-dose short Synacthen test in diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in outpatients with nonspecific symptoms

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Anne Corbould ◽  
Matthew Jarvis ◽  
Joanne Campbell ◽  
Deborah Kunde ◽  
Wade Clarkson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Synacthen Test ◽  
Short Synacthen Test
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document