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Bennett G, Cussen L, O'Reilly MW. The role for long-term use of dehydroepiandrosterone in adrenal insufficiency. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2022; 29:284-293. [PMID: 35621180 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an androgen produced by the zona reticularis of the adrenal gland. Patients with adrenal insufficiency will have a deficiency of DHEA. Unlike glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement, DHEA supplementation is not considered essential for life and is therefore not routinely replaced in adrenal failure. DHEA deficiency is associated with morbidity, including adverse impacts on metabolic function, quality of life and sexuality in multiple studies. The role for replacement, however, remains unclear. RECENT FINDINGS The benefits of DHEA supplementation have been definitively demonstrated in a number of historical studies of patients with primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Beneficial impacts on quality of life, body composition, bone health and metabolic markers have been demonstrated. However, published data are inconsistent; controversies persist around the exact role of DHEA replacement and around which patient cohorts are most likely to benefit. There is also a paucity of recent randomized controlled trials in the medical literature to inform on optimal dose and duration of DHEA replacement in adrenal failure. SUMMARY Here, we review the evidence for DHEA supplementation in patients with adrenal insufficiency. We highlight knowledge gaps in the medical literature and areas that should be prioritized for future research endeavours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leanne Cussen
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Michael W O'Reilly
- Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
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The Utilization of Dehydroepiandrosterone as a Sexual Hormone Precursor in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: An Overview. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:ph15010046. [PMID: 35056103 PMCID: PMC8781653 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its metabolite, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ester (DHEAS), are the most abundant circulating steroid hormones, and are synthesized in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, in the gonads, and in the brain. The precise physiological role of DHEA and DHEAS is not yet fully understood, but these steroid hormones can act as androgens, estrogens, and neurosteroids, and perform many roles in the human body. Since both levels decline with age, use of DHEA supplements have gained more attention due to being advertised as an antidote to aging in postmenopausal women, who may have concerns on age-related diseases and overall well-being. However, current research has not reached an overall consensus on the effects of DHEA on postmenopausal women. This overview is a summary of the current literature, addressing the metabolic pathway for DHEA synthesis and utilization, as well as the effects of DHEA on premenopausal and postmenopausal women with disease states and other factors. As for the therapeutic effects on menopausal syndrome and other age-related diseases, several studies have found that DHEA supplementations can alleviate vasomotor symptoms, preserve the integrity of the immune system, reduce bone loss, and increase muscle mass. Intravaginal DHEA has shown significant beneficial effects in menopausal women with severe vulvovaginal symptoms. On the other hand, DHEA supplements have not shown definitive effects in cardiovascular disease, adrenal insufficiency, insulin sensitivity, and cognition. Due to inadequate sample sizes and treatment durations of current studies, it is difficult to assess the safety and efficacy of DHEA and draw reliable conclusions for the physiological role, the optimal dosage, and the effects on premenopausal and postmenopausal women; therefore, the study of DHEA warrants future investigation. Further research into the roles of these steroid hormones may bring us closer to a therapeutic option in the future.
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Hahner S, Ross RJ, Arlt W, Bancos I, Burger-Stritt S, Torpy DJ, Husebye ES, Quinkler M. Adrenal insufficiency. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:19. [PMID: 33707469 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00252-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a condition characterized by an absolute or relative deficiency of adrenal cortisol production. Primary AI (PAI) is rare and is caused by direct adrenal failure. Secondary AI (SAI) is more frequent and is caused by diseases affecting the pituitary, whereas in tertiary AI (TAI), the hypothalamus is affected. The most prevalent form is TAI owing to exogenous glucocorticoid use. Symptoms of AI are non-specific, often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and are related to the lack of cortisol, adrenal androgen precursors and aldosterone (especially in PAI). Diagnosis is based on measurement of the adrenal corticosteroid hormones, their regulatory peptide hormones and stimulation tests. The goal of therapy is to establish a hormone replacement regimen that closely mimics the physiological diurnal cortisol secretion pattern, tailored to the patient's daily needs. This Primer provides insights into the epidemiology, mechanisms and management of AI during pregnancy as well as challenges of long-term management. In addition, the importance of identifying life-threatening adrenal emergencies (acute AI and adrenal crisis) is highlighted and strategies for prevention, which include patient education, glucocorticoid emergency cards and injection kits, are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hahner
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Richard J Ross
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stephanie Burger-Stritt
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eystein S Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Diseases, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Sandoughi M, Kaykhaei MA, Langarizadeh E, Dashipour A. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on quality of life in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: A preliminary randomized clinical trial. Int J Rheum Dis 2020; 23:1692-1697. [PMID: 32975909 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Chronic inflammation and subsequent use of glucocorticoids can lead to relative adrenocortical insufficiency in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, adrenocortical hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was shown as a potential therapy for autoimmune disorders. However, data regarding effects of DHEA in RA are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on quality of life (QOL) in premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients. METHOD In this randomized double blinded, controlled trial 46 premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients were assigned to receive 50 mg/d DHEA (23 patients) or placebo (23 patients) for 12 weeks. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints - erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) questionnaire, visual analog score and swollen and tender joint counts (both 0-28) were used for assessment of disease activity. Persian-validated World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. RESULTS In comparison to the control group more improvement in QOL (P = .025) and environment health (P = .001) was observed in the DHEA group. After adjustment for age and disease duration DHEA was associated with more improvement in QOL (P = .01), psychological (P = .02) and physical health (P = .03). A trend toward a decrease in ESR was observed in DHEA group (P = .06). DAS was improved in both groups; however, there was no significant change in DAS28 between groups (P = .88). Frequency of adverse events albeit minor was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION Our study supports a slightly superior effect of DHEA over placebo to improve QOL in premenopausal female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We did not find improvement in DAS in the DHEA group over placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Sandoughi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ebn e Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Ali Kaykhaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ebn e Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.,Genetics of Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Elnaz Langarizadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ali-Ebn e Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Alireza Dashipour
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Abstract
Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a life-threatening disorder of adrenal cortex which is characterized by deficient biosynthesis of glucocorticoids, with or without deficiency in mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens. Typical manifestations of primary adrenal insufficiency include hyperpigmentation, hypotension, hypoglycaemia, hyponatremia with or without hyperkalemia that are generally preceded by nonspecific symptoms at the onset. Recessively inherited monogenic disorders constitute the largest group of primary adrenal insufficiency in children. The diagnostic process of primary adrenal insufficiency includes demonstration of low cortisol concentrations along with high plasma ACTH and identifying the cause of the disorder. Specific molecular diagnosis is achieved in more than 80% of children with PAI by detailed clinical and biochemical characterization integrated with advanced molecular tools. Hormone replacement therapy determined on the type and the severity of deficient adrenocortical hormones is the mainstay of treatment. Optimized methods of steroid hormone delivery, improved monitoring of hormone replacement along with intensive education of patients and families on the rules during intercurrent illness and stress will significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with primary adrenal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Kirkgoz
- Marmara University School of Medicine, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Tulay Guran
- Marmara University School of Medicine, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Jublanc C, Bruckert E. L’insuffisance surrénalienne chez l’adulte. Rev Med Interne 2016; 37:820-826. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Uçar A, Baş F, Saka N. Diagnosis and management of pediatric adrenal insufficiency. World J Pediatr 2016; 12:261-274. [PMID: 27059746 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-016-0018-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a wellknown cause of potentially life-threatening disorders. Defects at each level of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can impair adrenal function, leading to varying degrees of glucocorticoid (GC) deficiency. Iatrogenic AI induced by exogenous GCs is the most common cause of AI. The criteria for the diagnosis and management of iatrogenic AI, neonatal AI, and critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) are not clear. DATA SOURCES We reviewed the recent original publications and classical data from the literature, as well as the clinical, diagnostic and management strategies of pediatric AI. RESULTS Practical points in the diagnosis and management of AI with an emphasis on iatrogenic AI, neonatal AI, and CIRCI are provided. Given the lack of sensitive and practical biochemical tests for diagnosis of subtle AI, GC treatment has to be tailored to highly suggestive clinical symptoms and signs. Treatment of adrenal crisis is well standardized and patients almost invariably respond well to therapy. It is mainly the delay in treatment that is responsible for mortality in adrenal crisis. CONCLUSIONS Education of patients and health care professionals is mandatory for timely interventions for patients with adrenal crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Uçar
- Growth-Development and Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Firdevs Baş
- Growth-Development and Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurçin Saka
- Growth-Development and Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency, a rare disorder which is characterized by the inadequate production or absence of adrenal hormones, may be classified as primary adrenal insufficiency in case of direct affection of the adrenal glands or secondary adrenal insufficiency, which is mostly due to pituitary or hypothalamic disease. Primary adrenal insufficiency affects 11 of 100,000 individuals. Clinical symptoms are mainly nonspecific and include fatigue, weight loss, and hypotension. The diagnostic test of choice is dynamic testing with synthetic ACTH. Patients suffering from chronic adrenal insufficiency require lifelong hormone supplementation. Education in dose adaption during physical and mental stress or emergency situations is essential to prevent life-threatening adrenal crises. Patients with adrenal insufficiency should carry an emergency card and emergency kit with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pulzer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Schwerpunkt Endokrinologie und Diabetologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - S Burger-Stritt
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Schwerpunkt Endokrinologie und Diabetologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - S Hahner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Schwerpunkt Endokrinologie und Diabetologie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Deutschland.
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