ABSTRACT
Adrenocortical function was assessed in 20 patients receiving long-term corticosteroid drugs for a variety of non-endocrine disorders.
In all cases plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) levels were within or above normal limits 48 hours after abruptly stopping their drugs and a further marked rise occurred in 7 patients given metyrapone for 24 h. Urinary 17-OHCS excretion did not show a parallel rise. Taking the group as a whole, a small rise in the mean output occurred 48 hours after stopping therapy, and a further slightly greater rise followed metyrapone.
3 patients had a relapse of their underlying condition during the test in spite of normal plasma and urinary 17-OHCS levels.
