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Hasenmajer V, Ferrari D, De Alcubierre D, Sada V, Puliani G, Bonaventura I, Minnetti M, Tomaselli A, Pofi R, Sbardella E, Cozzolino A, Gianfrilli D, Isidori AM. Effects of Dual-Release Hydrocortisone on Bone Metabolism in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A 6-Year Study. J Endocr Soc 2023; 8:bvad151. [PMID: 38090230 PMCID: PMC10714896 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Patients with primary (PAI) and secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) experience bone metabolism alterations, possibly due to excessive replacement. Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) has shown promising effects on several parameters, but bone metabolism has seldom been investigated. Objective We evaluated the long-term effects of once-daily DR-HC on bone in PAI and SAI. Methods Patients on immediate-release glucocorticoid therapy were evaluated before and up to 6 years (range, 4-6) after switching to equivalent doses of DR-HC, yielding data on bone turnover markers, femoral and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular bone score (TBS). Results Thirty-two patients (19 PAI, 18 female), median age 52 years (39.4-60.7), were included. At baseline, osteopenia was observed in 38% of patients and osteoporosis in 9%, while TBS was at least partially degraded in 41.4%. Higher body surface area-adjusted glucocorticoid doses predicted worse neck (P < .001) and total hip BMD (P < .001). Longitudinal analysis showed no significant change in BMD. TBS showed a trend toward decrease (P = .090). Bone markers were stable, albeit osteocalcin levels significantly varied. PAI and SAI subgroups behaved similarly, as did patients switching from hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate. Compared with men, women exhibited worse decline in TBS (P = .017) and a similar trend for neck BMD (P = .053). Conclusion After 6 years of chronic DR-HC replacement, BMD and bone markers remained stable. TBS decline is more likely due to an age-related derangement of bone microarchitecture rather than a glucocorticoid effect. Our data confirm the safety of DR-HC replacement on bone health in both PAI and SAI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Hasenmajer
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Dario De Alcubierre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon 69373 CEDEX 08, France
| | - Valentina Sada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giulia Puliani
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome 00128, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bonaventura
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tomaselli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Emilia Sbardella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessia Cozzolino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
- Centre for Rare Diseases (Endo-ERN accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome 00161, Italy
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2
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Li D. Quality of Life in Patients with Adrenal Insufficiency. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2022; 51:741-753. [PMID: 36244690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with adrenal insufficiency, despite standard glucocorticoid replacement therapy, continue to experience and report impaired self-perceived health status and quality of life. In this review, we will describe quality of life in this patient population, and summarize the determinants of quality of life, based on previous survey-based studies and clinical trials. In addition, some new emerging data during the still ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic are also reviewed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingfeng Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, F20, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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3
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Guarnotta V, Tomasello L, Giordano C. Prediction of diabetes mellitus induced by steroid overtreatment in adrenal insufficiency. Sci Rep 2022; 12:885. [PMID: 35042934 PMCID: PMC8766568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04904-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the differences between patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and prediabetes/diabetes mellitus (DM) in secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI). We cross-sectionally evaluated 102, out of a total of 140, patients with SAI, who were on hydrocortisone (HC) (n = 50) and cortisone acetate (n = 52) replacement therapy. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were compared in patients with NGT (n = 60) and DM (n = 42). Patients with prediabetes/DM have a more marked family history of DM (p = 0.002), BMI (p < 0.001), higher waist circumference (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.012), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.004), triglycerides (p = 0.031), fasting glucose (p = 0.002), fasting insulin (p = 0.035), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (p = 0.018), HOMA-IR (p = 0.039), area under curves of glucose (p = 0.001) and insulin (p = 0.002), HbA1c (p < 0.001), Visceral adiposity index (VAI) (p = 0.038) and lower ISI-Matsuda (p = 0.008) and oral disposition index (p < 0.001) than patients with NGT. Multivariate analysis showed that family history of DM and VAI are independent predictive factors for DM in patients with SAI. Family history of DM and VAI can be predictors of the development of DM in patients with SAI and need to be investigated during steroid replacement therapy. Interestingly, the type and the dose of replacement steroid do not impact on diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Guarnotta
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Laura Tomasello
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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4
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Gruber LM, Bancos I. Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Recent Updates and New Directions for Diagnosis and Management. Endocr Pract 2022; 28:110-117. [PMID: 34610473 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda M Gruber
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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5
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Guarnotta V, Amodei R, Giordano C. Metabolic comorbidities of adrenal insufficiency: Focus on steroid replacement therapy and chronopharmacology. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 60:123-132. [PMID: 34416524 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is characterized by higher mortality and morbidity compared with the general population. Conventional replacement steroid therapy, currently recommended for the treatment of AI, is associated with increased frequency of metabolic comorbidities due to daily overexposure. By contrast, dual-release hydrocortisone is associated with a decreased risk of metabolic comorbidities, providing an adequate release of hydrocortisone and mimicking the physiological profile of cortisol. These favorable effects are due to a reduced daily steroid exposure that does not affect the expression of the clock genes which are involved in metabolic pathways and are regulated by the normal physiological circadian rhythm of endogenous cortisol. This narrative review focuses on the possible metabolic comorbidities of AI due to steroid replacement therapy, which evaluates the effects of conventional and novel drugs with attention to chronopharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Guarnotta
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Amodei
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Giordano
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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6
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Kiko N, Kalhan A. Comparison of Various Glucocorticoid Replacement Regimens Used in Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency: A Systematic Review. DUBAI DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1159/000508321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Patients with adrenal insufficiency require life-long glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Hydrocortisone (15–30 mg/day) and prednisolone (3–7.5 mg/day) are the preferred agents used although there is a lack of consensus among endocrinologists regarding the impact of different steroid regimens on quality of life, bone metabolism, cardiometabolic outcomes, adrenal crisis and infections. We carried out a retrospective systematic review of the literature to compare the efficacy and side effects of various glucocorticoid replacement regimens in patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We searched PubMed, Cochrane Reviews and Google Scholar databases up to March 14, 2019, for studies evaluating various clinical outcomes with glucocorticoid replacement therapy. The abstracts and full studies were appraised and data extracted from the eligible studies. The quality of evidence was evaluated and risk of bias carried out. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 47 studies including 9 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 38 observational studies were evaluated in this systematic review. Prednisolone therapy was observed to be safe as well as efficacious as hydrocortisone although a higher dose was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. A lower hydrocortisone dose (15–20 mg/day) was associated with a reduction of blood pressure and improved clinical outcomes although this observation was based on a solitary RCT. Modified release hydrocortisone was observed to reduce the risk of CV disease based upon results from 2 of the RCTs. However, there was no conclusive evidence of benefit of modified release hydrocortisone and continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion in improving subjective health status. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Prednisolone therapy remains a safe and efficacious alternative to hydrocortisone although there are concerns of dyslipidaemia and CV disease with higher doses. There is limited level I evidence suggestive of a positive effect of modified release hydrocortisone on CV and metabolic outcomes, particularly weight reduction.
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Yudina AE, Pavlova MG, Sotnikov VM, Yudina AE, Sych YP, Mazerkina NA, Zheludkova OG, Teryaeva NB, Gerasimov AN, Martynova E, Kim EI, Berkovskaya MA. [Clinical features and diagnosis of secondary adrenal insufficiency followed complex treatment nonpituitary brain tumors]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 65:330-340. [PMID: 32202737 DOI: 10.14341/probl10246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most of the current studies include patients who are different by the etiology of secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI), or investigate SAI among other late effects of the radiation therapy. AIMS To describe the features of SAI and to select the best method of screening SAI in adult patients followed complex treatment of nonpituitary brain tumors in childhood. MATERIALS AND METHODS It was the retrospective cross-sectional study. 31 patients after the complex treatment of nonpituitary brain tumors in childhood and 20 healthy volunteers were examined. Age and sex ratio were comparable between the groups. Biochemical and clinical blood tests, levels of cortisol, ACTH, DHEA-C were evaluated. The insulin tolerance test (ITT) was performed for all patients and 11 volunteers. RESULTS The prevalence of SAI by ITT was 45.2%. The levels of basal cortisol (BC) were significantly higher in patients without SAI in comparison with the SAI group and volunteers (505 [340; 650] vs 323 [233; 382] and 372 [263; 489] nmol / l; pSAI- without_SAI=0.001; pwihtout_SAI-healthy = 0.04). The SAI group had DHEA-C significantly lower than in other groups one (3.1 [1.8; 3.4] vs 5.1 [2.5; 6.4] and 6.8 [4.1; 8.9]; рSAI- without_SAI = 0.036; pSAI-healthy = 0.001). ROC analysis showed that BC and DHEA-S can be used as high-quality screening tests for SAI (AUC = 89.3% and 88.3%). The maximum level of cortisol (656 [608-686] vs 634 [548-677]; p = 1) and the time of its increase (45 and 60 min) did not differ during ITT in patients without SAI and volunteers. Side effects: delayed hypoglycemia occurred in 4/14 patients of the SAI group 4090 minutes late of injection 60-80 ml of 40% glucose solution for stopping hypoglycemia in the test. CONCLUSIONS 45.2% of patients followed craniospinal irradiation had SAI that is characterized by a decrease in DHEA-C levels. A highly normal level of basal cortisol was observed in 45% of patients without SAI. DHEA-C and blood cortisol can be used for SAI screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Yudina
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - M G Pavlova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - V M Sotnikov
- Russian Scientific Center of Roentgeno-Radiology
| | - A E Yudina
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - Y P Sych
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - N A Mazerkina
- N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery
| | | | | | - A N Gerasimov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - E Martynova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - E I Kim
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - M A Berkovskaya
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
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8
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Guarnotta V, Di Stefano C, Santoro A, Ciresi A, Coppola A, Giordano C. Dual-release hydrocortisone vs conventional glucocorticoids in adrenal insufficiency. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:853-862. [PMID: 31252397 PMCID: PMC6599082 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) improves metabolism in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The aims of this study were to compare the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of conventional glucocorticoids (GCs) vs. DR-HC and of high vs. low doses of GCs, after 48 months of observation. METHODS We selected 27 patients on hydrocortisone (mean dose 17.5 ± 4.2 mg/day) and 20 patients on cortisone acetate (mean dose 37.5 ± 12.1 mg/day) who maintained this treatment (group A) and 53 patients switched to DR-HC (mean dose 22 ± 4.8 mg/day) (group B). At baseline and after 48 months, clinical and metabolic parameters and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) were obtained. RESULTS After 48 months, patients in group A had a significant increase from baseline in BMI (P < 0.001), waist circumference (P = 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.001), LDL cholesterol (P = 0.018), HbA1c (P = 0.020) and FRS (P = 0.002). By contrast, patients in group B had a significant decrease in BMI (P = 0.002), waist circumference (P = 0.015), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.031), total (P = 0.006) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.005), HbA1c (P < 0.001) and FRS (P = 0.015) compared to baseline. No significant differences between high and low doses of both conventional GCs and DR-HC were observed. CONCLUSIONS DR-HC is associated with an improvement of metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk compared to conventional GCs, which are associated with a worsening of these parameters, regardless of the dose used.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Guarnotta
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno – Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - C Di Stefano
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno – Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Santoro
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno – Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Ciresi
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno – Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - A Coppola
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno – Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - C Giordano
- Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno – Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza ‘G. D’Alessandro’ (PROMISE), Sezione di Malattie Endocrine, del Ricambio e della Nutrizione, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to C Giordano:
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9
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Isidori AM, Venneri MA, Graziadio C, Simeoli C, Fiore D, Hasenmajer V, Sbardella E, Gianfrilli D, Pozza C, Pasqualetti P, Morrone S, Santoni A, Naro F, Colao A, Pivonello R, Lenzi A. Effect of once-daily, modified-release hydrocortisone versus standard glucocorticoid therapy on metabolism and innate immunity in patients with adrenal insufficiency (DREAM): a single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2018; 6:173-185. [PMID: 29229498 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(17)30398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional treatment of patients with adrenal insufficiency involves administration of glucocorticoids multiple times a day and has been associated with weight gain and metabolic impairment. The optimal glucocorticoid replacement therapy for these patients is highly debated because of the scarcity of evidence from randomised trials. We aimed to establish whether the timing and pharmacokinetics of glucocorticoid replacement therapy affect the metabolism and immune system of patients with adrenal insufficiency. METHODS We did a single-blind randomised controlled trial at two reference university hospitals in Italy. Eligible patients (aged 18-80 years) with adrenal insufficiency were on conventional glucocorticoid therapy and had been stable for at least 3 months before enrolment. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) with a computer-generated random sequence stratified by type of adrenal insufficiency and BMI to continue conventional glucocorticoid therapy (standard treatment group) or to switch to an equivalent dose of once-daily, modified-release oral hydrocortisone (switch treatment group). Outcome assessors were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was bodyweight change from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included immune cell profiles, susceptibility to infections, and quality of life. Efficacy analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of the study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02277587. FINDINGS Between March 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016, 89 patients with adrenal insufficiency were randomly assigned to continue standard glucocorticoid therapy (n=43) or to switch to once-daily, modified-release hydrocortisone (n=46). At 24 weeks, bodyweight reduction was superior in patients in the once-daily hydrocortisone group compared with those in the standard treatment group (-2·1 kg [95% CI -4·0 to -0·3] vs 1·9 kg [-0·1 to 3·9]; treatment difference -4·0 kg, 95% CI -6·9 to -1·1; p=0·008). Additionally, patients in the once-daily hydrocortisone group had more normal immune cell profiles, reduced susceptibility to infections, and improved quality of life compared with the standard glucocorticoid therapy group. We observed no difference in frequency or severity of adverse events between the two intervention groups, although a lower cumulative number of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections was observed with once-daily hydrocortisone than with standard treatment (17 vs 38; p=0·016). Most adverse events were mild; three serious adverse events occurred in each group, of which one adverse advent (arthritis) in the switch treatment group could be considered drug related. INTERPRETATION Patients with adrenal insufficiency on conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy multiple times a day exhibit a pro-inflammatory state and weakened immune defence. Restoration of a more physiological circadian glucocorticoid rhythm by switching to a once-daily, modified-release regimen reduces bodyweight, normalises the immune cell profile, reduces recurrent infections, and improves the quality of life of patients with adrenal insufficiency. FUNDING Italian Ministry of University and Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Graziadio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Fiore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Hasenmajer
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Sbardella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pasqualetti
- Service of Medical Statistics and Information Technology, Fatebenefratelli Foundation for Health Research and Education, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Naro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Graziadio C, Hasenmajer V, Venneri MA, Gianfrilli D, Isidori AM, Sbardella E. Glycometabolic Alterations in Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: Does Replacement Therapy Play a Role? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:434. [PMID: 30123187 PMCID: PMC6085438 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) is a potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder due to an impairment of corticotropin (ACTH) secretion from any process affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. ACTH deficit can be isolated or associated with other pituitary failures (hypopituitarism). An increased mortality due to cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases has been described in both primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. However, few studies have provided compelling evidences on the underlying mechanism in SAI, because of the heterogeneity of the condition. Recently, some studies suggested that inappropriate glucocorticoid (GCs) replacement therapy, as for dose and/or timing of administration, may play a role. Hypertension, insulin resistance, weight gain, visceral obesity, increased body mass index, metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia have all been associated with GC excess. These conditions are particularly significant when SAI coexists with other pituitary alterations, such as growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, and residual tumor. Novel regimen schemes and GC preparations have been introduced to improve compliance and better mimick endogenous cortisol rhythm. The controlled trials on the improved replacement therapies, albeit in the short-term, show some beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk, glucose metabolism, and quality of life. This review examines the current evidence from the available clinical trials investigating the association between different glucocorticoid replacement therapies (type, dose, frequency, and timing of treatment) and glycometabolic alterations in SAI.
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Mazziotti G, Formenti AM, Frara S, Roca E, Mortini P, Berruti A, Giustina A. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Risk of overtreatment in patients with adrenal insufficiency: current and emerging aspects. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:R231-R248. [PMID: 28583942 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The effects of long-term replacement therapy of adrenal insufficiency (AI) are still a matter of controversy. In fact, the established glucocorticoid replacement regimens do not completely reproduce the endogenous hormonal production and the monitoring of AI treatment may be a challenge for the lack of reliable clinical and biochemical markers. Consequently, several AI patients are frequently exposed to relative glucocorticoid excess potentially leading to develop chronic complications, such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension and fragility fractures with consequent impaired QoL and increased mortality risk. This review deals with the pathophysiological and clinical aspects concerning the over-replacement therapy of primary and secondary AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mazziotti
- Endocrinology Unit, ASST, Carlo Poma, Mantua, Italy
| | - A M Formenti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Frara
- Chair of Endocrinology, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - E Roca
- Chair of Medical Oncology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - P Mortini
- Chair of Neurosurgery, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Berruti
- Chair of Medical Oncology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Giustina
- Chair of Endocrinology, San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy
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