Adrenal Insufficiency and Response to Stress Dose Hydrocortisone in Patients With Cirrhosis and Vasopressor Dependency Using Cirrhosis-Specific Cortisol Thresholds

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 742-749
Author(s):  
Trenton Vu ◽  
Meghna Vallabh ◽  
Greg Laine
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Vasopressor Therapy ◽  
Baseline Cortisol ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
Stress Dose ◽  
Similar Incidence

Background: Cortisol thresholds defining adrenal insufficiency (AI) in some cirrhosis-specific studies differ from those recommended by the SCCM/ESICM (Society of Critical Care Medicine/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine) guidelines, which may influence treatment decisions. Objective: To determine if stress-dose hydrocortisone (HC) improves outcomes in vasopressor-dependent patients meeting cirrhosis-specific criteria for AI. Methods: In this retrospective study, AI was defined using criteria from 2 studies in critically ill cirrhosis patients showing mortality reduction with HC (random cortisol <20 µg/dL, or if a standard-dose cosyntropin test was performed, baseline cortisol <15 µg/dL or delta cortisol <9 µg/dL if baseline = 15-34 µg/dL). Use of HC was at the discretion of the intensivist. The primary endpoint was days of vasopressor therapy. Secondary endpoints included hospital mortality and newly acquired infections. Sixty-four patients were evaluated; 40 patients received HC and 24 did not. Results: Mean random cortisol was significantly lower in the HC group (9.8 ± 3.2 vs 12.0 ± 3.7 µg/dL, P = 0.04). Delta cortisol also tended to be lower in the HC group (8.2 ± 4.4 vs 11.3 ± 6.4 µg/dL, P = 0.25). Patients in the HC group exhibited significantly fewer median days of vasopressor therapy (4.0 [2.0-7.0] vs 7.0 [4.2-10.8], P = 0.006), lower mortality (22.5% vs 50%, P = 0.02), and a similar incidence of newly acquired infections. Conclusion and Relevance: The use of HC in patients meeting cirrhosis-specific criteria for AI resulted in significantly shorter duration of vasopressor therapy, lower mortality, and no increased risk of infection. Use of traditional AI definitions may exclude patients with cirrhosis that could benefit from HC therapy.

scholarly journals ENDOCRINOLOGY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: Management of adrenal insufficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 183 (1) ◽  
pp. G25-G32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiebke Arlt ◽  
Stephanie E Baldeweg ◽  
Simon H S Pearce ◽  
Helen L Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Clinical Deterioration ◽  
Adrenal Crisis ◽  
Modified Release ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Course Of Disease ◽  
Restricted Access ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sick Day Rules ◽  
Stress Dose

We provide guidance on prevention of adrenal crisis during the global COVID-19 crisis, a time with frequently restricted access to the usual level of healthcare. Patients with adrenal insufficiency are at an increased risk of infection, which may be complicated by developing an adrenal crisis; however, there is currently no evidence that adrenal insufficiency patients are more likely to develop a severe course of disease. We highlight the need for education (sick day rules, stringent social distancing rules), equipment (sufficient glucocorticoid supplies, steroid emergency self-injection kit) and empowerment (steroid emergency card, COVID-19 guidelines) to prevent adrenal crises. In patients with adrenal insufficiency developing an acute COVID-19 infection, which frequently presents with continuous high fever, we suggest oral stress dose cover with 20 mg hydrocortisone every 6 h. We also comment on suggested dosing for patients who usually take modified release hydrocortisone or prednisolone. In patients with adrenal insufficiency showing clinical deterioration during an acute COVID-19 infection, we advise immediate (self-)injection of 100 mg hydrocortisone intramuscularly, followed by continuous i.v. infusion of 200 mg hydrocortisone per 24 h, or until this can be established, and administration of 50 mg hydrocortisone every 6 h. We also advise on doses for infants and children.

scholarly journals Proposal of initial and maintenance dosing regimens with linezolid for renal impairment patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Kawasuji ◽  
Yasuhiro Tsuji ◽  
Chika Ogami ◽  
Kou Kimoto ◽  
Akitoshi Ueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Impairment ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Clinical Failure ◽  
Therapeutic Concentration ◽  
Reduced Dose ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dosing Regimens ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Abstract Background Linezolid is administered as a fixed dose to all patients despite evidence of overexposure and thrombocytopenia in renal impairment. The aims of this study were to evaluate the risk of thrombocytopenia and the utility of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and to propose alternate dosing regimens in patients with renal impairment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients ≥13 years old for whom serum linezolid trough concentration (Cmin) was measured during linezolid treatment. Patients with episodes of infection were divided into groups by presence of renal impairment (RI group) or absence of renal impairment (non-RI group), and by use of Cmin-based TDM (TDM group) or not (non-TDM group) during linezolid treatment. Results In the 108 patients examined by multivariable analyses, renal impairment was independently associated with increased risk of thrombocytopenia (OR 3.17, 95%CI 1.10–9.12) and higher Cmin. Analysis of the utility of TDM in the RI group showed that clinical failure rate was significantly lower in the TDM subgroup than in the non-TDM subgroup. Furthermore, in the RI group, dosage adjustments were needed in 90.5% of the TDM subgroup. All episodes administered a reduced dose of 300 mg every 12 h in the RI group showed Cmin ≥ 2.0 mg/L. Additional analysis of 53 episodes in which Cmin was measured within 48 h after starting administration showed that the initial standard dose for 2 days was sufficient to rapidly reach an effective therapeutic concentration in the RI group. Conclusions Empirical dose reduction to 300 mg every 12 h after administration of the initial fixed dose for 2 days and Cmin-based TDM may improve safety outcomes while maintaining appropriate efficacy among patients with renal impairment.

scholarly journals P125: Low dose intravenous ketorolac in renal colic, a pilot randomized controlled trial

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S109-S110
Author(s):  
J. Chao ◽  
P. Brasher ◽  
K. Cheung ◽  
R. Sharma ◽  
K. Badke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Group ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Renal Colic ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Pain Reduction ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Increased Risk

Introduction: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are first-line analgesics for emergency department (ED) patients with renal colic. Lower doses of intravenous (IV) ketorolac may provide similar pain relief to standard dosing in patients with acute pain. Patients with renal colic may be at increased risk of acute kidney injury; exposing them to lower doses of NSAIDs may put them at lower risk while providing equally effective analgesia. We conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility of a randomized trial comparing the effectiveness and safety of low with standard ketorolac dosing in ED patients with suspected renal colic. The primary objective was to demonstrate the ability to achieve an enrolment target of 2 patients per week. Methods: We enrolled a convenience sample of adults presenting to an academic urban ED with unilateral flank pain suspected to be renal colic. We randomized patients to 10 mg (low dose, intervention) or 30 mg (standard dose, control). Participants, treating physicians and nurses, and researchers were blinded to treatment allocation. Our main feasibility outcome was the recruitment rate. Secondary outcomes were changes in pain scores (0-10) at 30 and 120 minutes post-ketorolac administration, vital signs, adverse events and ED length of stay. Results: We approached 82 patients, of whom 47 (57.3%) were eligible. Of these, 36 consented to participating and 30 were randomized. The proportion of screened patients who were enrolled was 36.6% (30/82). We completed enrolment over a 21-week period, with an average recruitment rate of 1.5 patients/week (range 0-4). The average baseline pain score for all participants was 6.9 (SD = 2.1). At 30 minutes post-ketorolac administration, the low dose group had a mean pain reduction of 2.0 points compared to a pain reduction of 1.7 in standard dose group (difference = 0.3, 90% CI: -0.7 to 1.4). Conclusion: These preliminary results support the possibility that low dose ketorolac may be efficacious in this patient population. We did not meet our target recruitment of 2 patients per week as this was primarily due to restricted recruitment hours. To successfully conduct a larger trial, we would need to expand both recruitment hours and the number of sites.

scholarly journals Low Plasma Albumin Linked to Fluid Overload in Postoperative Epidural Patients

2009 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 703-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karan Malhotra ◽  
Benedict Axisa
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Fluid Therapy ◽  
Fluid Overload ◽  
Albumin Level ◽  
Vasopressor Therapy ◽  
Significant Morbidity ◽  
Prospective Audit ◽  
Plasma Albumin ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Mean

INTRODUCTION Hypotension is commonly associated with epidural use in postoperative patients and is usually treated with fluid or vasopressor therapy. The former can result in fluid overload, associated with significant morbidity. This study aimed to identify factors increasing the likelihood of fluid overload in elective patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective audit of fluid therapy in elective, postoperative, epidural patients was carried out over a 6-week period in a teaching hospital in England. Demographic, biochemical, and fluid balance data were collected and analysed to determine which factors had the strongest correlation with fluid overload. Fluid overload was calculated as the percentage of net fluid input relative to pre-operative body weight (%FO). RESULTS Thirty-two patients were included in this study. An overload of 10% of the patients' pre-operative body weight was considered significant. The mean fluid overload incurred by patients in this study was 8.17 l (range, 2.89–14.62 l); %FO was 11.32% (range, 3.67–26.10%). The strongest independently correlating factor to fluid overload was initial, postoperative plasma albumin. Patients with a plasma albumin less than 27 g/l developed significant overload: mean overload 9.75 l (range, 2.89–14.62 l), %FO 15.12% (range, 4.81–26.10%), whilst those with an albumin level greater than 27 g/l did not: mean overload 6.77 l (range, 3.34–11.48 l), %FO 7.96% (range, 3.67–13.93%); P = 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving epidurals with initial, postoperative, plasma albumin levels below 27 g/l are at increased risk of significant fluid overload. Earlier instigation of vasopressor therapy in this subgroup of patients may help prevent this.

scholarly journals Chronic myeloid leukemia: successful therapy with nilotinib in a young patient with high Sokal risk and in sub-optimal response with imatinib

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (6S) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Fausto Palmieri
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Young Patient ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Optimal Response ◽  
Increased Risk

Here we describe a case of a young patient with chronic myeloid leukemia, at high-risk according to the Sokal index, who started imatinib at standard dose and obtained a sub-optimal response at 12 months. This condition was not automatically an indication to change therapy, but considering the patient as suboptimal, we decided to switch to a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), nilotinib 800 mg/die, obtaining soon a complete cytogenetic response (CCYR), thereafter a major molecular response (MMolR). Delayed achievement of cytogenetic and molecular is associated with increased risk of progression among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in early chronic phase receiving imatinib therapy. Therefore we can hypothesise that this kind of patient could be elegible for an early switch to second-generation TKI.

scholarly journals Adrenal insufficiency in a woman secondary to standard-dose inhaled fluticasone propionate therapy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Casey M Hay ◽  
Daniel I Spratt
Keyword(s):  
Fluticasone Propionate ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Adrenal Crisis ◽  
List Type ◽  
Morning Cortisol ◽  
Low Serum

Summary A 55-year-old woman with asthma presented with adrenal insufficiency of unknown origin. She was referred to our Division of Reproductive Endocrinology to further evaluate an undetectable morning cortisol level discovered during the evaluation of a low serum DHEA-S level. She was asymptomatic other than having mild fatigue and weight gain. Her medication list included 220 μg of inhaled fluticasone propionate twice daily for asthma, which she was taking as prescribed. On presentation, the undetectable morning cortisol level was confirmed. A urinary measurement of fluticasone propionate 17β-carboxylic acid was markedly elevated. Fluticasone therapy was discontinued and salmeterol therapy initiated with supplemental hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone therapy was discontinued after 2 months. A repeat urinary fluticasone measurement 4 months after the discontinuation of fluticasone therapy was undetectably low and morning cortisol level was normal at 18.0 μg/dl. Inhaled fluticasone is generally considered to be minimally systemically absorbed. This patient's only clinical evidence suggesting adrenal insufficiency was fatigue accompanying a low serum DHEA-S level. This case demonstrates that adrenal insufficiency can be caused by a routine dose of inhaled fluticasone. Missing this diagnosis could potentially result in adrenal crisis upon discontinuation of fluticasone therapy. Learning points Standard-dose inhaled fluticasone can cause adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency should be considered in patients taking, or who have recently discontinued, inhaled fluticasone therapy and present with new onset of nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, depression, myalgia, arthralgia, unexplained weight loss, and nausea that are suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency should be considered in postoperative patients who exhibit signs of hypoadrenalism after fluticasone therapy has been withheld in the perioperative setting. Routine screening for hypoadrenalism in patients without clinical signs or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency after the discontinuation of inhaled fluticasone therapy is not indicated due to the apparently low incidence of adrenal insufficiency caused by fluticasone.

Abstract 097: Effects of BRIDGE Attendance on the Outcomes of Diabetic Patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Fette ◽  
Rachel Krallman ◽  
Colin McMahon ◽  
Daniel Montgomery ◽  
Jennifer Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Discharge Outcomes

Background: Prior studies have shown that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. BRIdging the Discharge Gap Effectively (BRIDGE) is a nurse practitioner-delivered cardiac transitional care program for patients who have been recently discharged following a cardiac event. Previous research has shown BRIDGE to be effective in improving patient outcomes. This study sought to describe differences in outcomes 1) of heart failure (HF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with and without concomitant DM, and 2) between diabetic patients who did and did not attend BRIDGE. Methods: Retrospective data were abstracted for HF, ACS, and AF patients from 2008-2014. Patients were divided into cohorts based on presence or absence of DM and BRIDGE attendance versus non-attendance. Outcomes (readmissions, ED visits, death) within each primary diagnosis (HF, ACS, AF) were compared between DM and non-DM patients and between those who attended BRIDGE versus those who did not for all DM patients. Results: Of 2197 patients referred to BRIDGE, 723 (32.9%) had concomitant DM. DM patients had similar outcomes to non-DM patients for most post-discharge outcomes; however, DM ACS patients had higher readmission (42.2% v 29.6%, p<0.001) and death (10.5% v. 4.5%, p=0.001) rates within 6 months, and DM AF patients had higher readmission rates within 6 months (52.1% v 37.9%, p=0.006). HF patients with DM who attended BRIDGE had lower mortality rates within 6 months of discharge than those who did not (10.3% vs. 22.1%, p=0.014). No other significant differences in outcomes were seen between BRIDGE attendees and non-attendees. Conclusions: Though not significant, patients with DM had worse post-discharge outcomes than those without DM for all primary diagnoses. In the subset of DM patients, the 30-day readmission rate for ACS patients who attended BRIDGE was half of those who did not attend. Conversely, 30-day readmission rates for HF patients were greater if they attended. This may in part explain the significantly lower mortality rate among BRIDGE attenders with HF, where patients who needed readmission were identified during their BRIDGE appointment. Due to the high prevalence of DM, efforts to tailor transitional care for this population are needed.

scholarly journals Prognostic Value of the Residual SYNTAX Score on In-Hospital and Follow-Up Clinical Outcomes in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Refik Emre Altekin ◽  
Ali Yasar Kilinc ◽  
Mehdi Onac ◽  
Orhan Cicekcibasi
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Significance ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Hospital Death ◽  
Syntax Score ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Clinical Events ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Residual Syntax Score

Aims. We investigated the prognostic significance of residual SYNTAX score (RSS) in patients undergoing PCI due to STEMI and relationship between RSS and in-hospital and long-term ischemic cardiac events. Methods. Between June 2015 and December 2018, 538 patients who underwent primary PCI were evaluated for in-hospital events and 478 patients were evaluated for clinical events during follow-up. Primary and secondary endpoints for both in-hospital and follow-up periods were cardiac death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Results. 538 patients were included the study. RSS values of 131 patients were 0, and RSS values of 407 patients were >0. The median value of the RSS > 0 group was 7. According to this value, the RSS > 0 group was divided into 2 groups as R-ICR (RSS < 7, N = 188) and ICR (RSS ≥ 7, n = 219). In the RSS ≥ 7 group, during in-hospital and follow-up period, both mortality and MACE rates were higher than the other two groups. Area under the curve (AUC) for RSS for in-hospital death was found to be higher than SS ( p = 0.035 ) but similar to Grace Score (GS) ( p = 0.651 ). For MACE, RSS was higher than SS ( p = 0.025 ) and higher than the GS ( p = 0.041 ). For follow-up cardiac mortality, the AUC of the RSS was found to be higher than SS (0.870/0.763, p = 0.02 ) and GS (0.870/0.733, p = 0.001 ). For MACE, the AUC of RSS was higher than SS ( p = 0.03 ) and GS ( p = 0.004 ). Conclusions. High RSS values in STEMI patients are associated with increased risk of ischemic cardiac events. RSS may help determine revascularization and level of additional PCI to improve prognosis by reducing the risk of ischemic cardiac events after P-PCI.

scholarly journals Neurologic Safety of Etomidate-Based Sedation during Upper Endoscopy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis Compared with Propofol: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2424
Author(s):  
Jang Han Jung ◽  
Bomi Hyun ◽  
Jin Lee ◽  
Dong Hee Koh ◽  
Jung Hee Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Early Discharge ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Number Connection Test ◽  
Severe Degree

(1) Background: Although etomidate-based sedation is an effective and safe protocol in endoscopic procedures, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of etomidate in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). This study aimed to compare the neurologic safety and efficacy of etomidate and propofol for endoscopic sedation in patients with LC. (2) Methods: From December 2017 to December 2019, consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent sedative endoscopy using either etomidate or propofol were randomly recruited. The primary endpoint was the number connection test (NCT), and the secondary endpoints included factors for the safety of sedatives during endoscopy. (3) Results: 63 patients were enrolled in each of the etomidate and propofol groups. The NCT times were significantly lower in the etomidate group than in the propofol group. Furthermore, severe or very severe degree of encephalopathy was higher in the propofol group but was not significantly different. Pharmacological properties and the overall incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular events did not differ significantly between the groups. (4) Conclusion: Etomidate-based sedation exacerbates neither subclinical nor overt hepatic encephalopathy. It guarantees efficacies similar to those of propofol regarding rapid sedation, fast recovery, and early discharge, with no increased risk of adverse respiratory or cardiovascular events in patients with LC.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir-Hossein Rahvar ◽  
Christian S. Haas ◽  
Sven Danneberg ◽  
Birgit Harbeck
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The World ◽  
Coronary Events ◽  
Necrosis Factor

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.

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