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Kalafateli M, Aggeletopoulou I, Triantos C. Adrenal insufficiency in liver diseases - pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:663-676. [PMID: 38305832 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-024-09874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) is common in critically ill patients with cirrhosis, but it has been also documented in non-critically ill patients. Its pathophysiology is complex and not well understood yet. In this review, we aimed to present potential mechanisms and causal pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of RAI in cirrhosis. There is accumulating evidence supporting a suboptimal baseline adrenal function in cirrhosis mainly due to decreased cortisol synthesis and metabolism rates from the adrenal gland. Apart from this peripheral impairment, more recent studies suggest that there is a greater defect in the central stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (hypothalamus/pituitary gland). Pro-inflammatory mediators, which are elevated in cirrhosis, have been also implicated through suppression of the HPA axis, decrease in cortisol synthesis and tissue glucocorticoid resistance. All abovementioned support the hepatoadrenal syndrome hypothesis that during episodes of acute decompensation there is suboptimal adrenocortical response that leads to worse outcomes. In conclusion, the complex pathophysiology of adrenal dysfunction in cirrhosis has not been fully elucidated yet and further research is needed in order to better understand this rather common entity in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalafateli
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Patras, 26332, Patras, Greece
| | - Ioanna Aggeletopoulou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
- Laboratory of Immunohematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece.
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Wentworth BJ, Schliep M, Novicoff W, Siragy HM, Geng CX, Henry ZH. Relative adrenal insufficiency in the non-critically ill patient with cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2023; 43:660-672. [PMID: 36354293 PMCID: PMC9974795 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Characterization of relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in cirrhosis is heterogeneous with regard to studied patient populations and diagnostic methodology. We aimed to describe the prevalence and prognostic importance of RAI in non-critically ill patients with cirrhosis. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using MeSH terms and Boolean operators to search five large databases (Ovid-MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov). The population of interest was patients with cirrhosis and without critical illness. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of RAI as defined by a peak total cortisol level <18 μg/dl, delta total cortisol <9 μg/dl or composite of the two thresholds in response either a standard-dose or low-dose short synacthen test. Odds ratios and standardized mean differences from random-effects models estimated important clinical outcomes and patient characteristics by adrenal functional status. RESULTS Twenty-two studies were included in final analysis, comprising 1991 patients with cirrhosis. The pooled prevalence of RAI was 37% (95% CI 33-42%). The prevalence of RAI varied by Child-Pugh classification, type of stimulation test used, specific diagnostic threshold and by severity of illness. Ninety-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with RAI (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.69-4.92, I2 = 15%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Relative adrenal insufficiency is highly prevalent in non-critically ill patients with cirrhosis and associated with increased mortality. Despite the proposed multifactorial pathogenesis, no studies to date have investigated therapeutic interventions in this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Wentworth
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Matthew Schliep
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Wendy Novicoff
- Departments of Public Health Sciences and Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
| | - Helmy M Siragy
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Calvin X Geng
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Zachary H Henry
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
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Assessment of adrenal response in patients with stable cirrhosis and ascites using different short Synacthen tests and definitions. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e540-e547. [PMID: 33905212 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The definition of relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in patients with cirrhosis remains controversial. We investigated the serum and salivary cortisol (SalC) response after low-dose and standard-dose Synacthen test in patients with stable cirrhosis and ascites. METHODS Ninety-five cirrhotic patients with ascites were prospectively evaluated from January 2014 to January 2018. Low-dose [adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH): 1 μg] and standard-dose (ACTH: 250 μg) Synacthen test were successively performed. Paired serum total and saliva cortisol were taken at baseline, 30 min (low-dose test) and 60 min (standard-dose test). Salivary and Δserum total cortisol criteria included post-ACTH SalC < 12.7 ng/ml and/or SalC increase <3 ng/ml and serum total cortisol increase <9 μg/dl, respectively. RESULTS The prevalence of RAI varied according to the definition used. SalC-defined RAI was significantly more common after low-dose than standard-dose test (54.7% vs. 20%; P < 0.001). Δserum total cortisol-defined RAI was also significantly more frequent after low-dose than standard-dose test (66.3% vs. 24.2%; P < 0.001). Considering low-dose test/SalC criteria as reference diagnostic criteria, standard-dose/salivary and Δserum total cortisol criteria showed low specificity for RAI diagnosis (43.9% and 52.7%, respectively). Survival probability was significantly lower in patients with low-dose test/SalC-defined RAI compared to those without (53.8% vs. 79.1%; P = 0.01). SalC-defined RAI after low-dose test was significantly more common than that defined after standard-dose test (72.7% vs. 30.3%; P < 0.001) among patients who died. CONCLUSION Low-dose test/SalC definition can identify RAI in about half of patients with stable cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with increased mortality.
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Piano S, Favaretto E, Tonon M, Antonelli G, Brocca A, Sticca A, Mareso S, Gringeri E, Scaroni C, Plebani M, Russo FP, Burra P, Cillo U, Angeli P. Including Relative Adrenal Insufficiency in Definition and Classification of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:1188-1196.e3. [PMID: 31589973 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) is defined by insufficient production of cortisol relative to organ demand. RAI is observed frequently in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis, but there is disagreement over the clinical effects of RAI in these patients. We evaluated the prevalence and the clinical effects of RAI in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. METHODS We performed a prospective study of 160 patients admitted to a hospital in Italy for acute decompensation of cirrhosis from May 2011 through September 2016. Patients were followed up until death, liver transplantation, or a maximum of 90 days. Serum and salivary levels of cortisol were measured before and after a 1-hour Short Synacthen Test. A diagnosis of RAI was given to patients with an increase in serum cortisol of less than 9 μg/dL, after Synacthen administration, in patients with baseline serum levels of cortisol less than 35 μg/dL. We collected blood samples before the Synacthen test and analyzed them for blood cell counts, liver and renal function, levels of C-reactive protein, and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein-A1). RESULTS A diagnosis of RAI was made for 78 patients (49%). Age (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; P = .030), number of leukocytes (OR, 3.10; P = .006), and levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 0.30; P = .039) were associated independently with RAI. Patients with RAI had a significantly higher risk of developing bacterial infections (hazard ratio [HR], 1.60; P = .038), sepsis (HR, 2.95; P = .001), septic shock (HR, 4.94; P = .038), new organ failures (HR, 2.45; P = .014), and acute-on-chronic liver failure (HR, 2.27; P = .037) than patients without RAI. RAI was associated independently with death within 90 days of diagnosis (subdistribution HR, 4.83; P = .001). Patients with RAI and mild renal dysfunction or hepatic encephalopathy had no significant difference in cumulative incidence of 28-day mortality vs patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure grade 1 (25% vs 22%). CONCLUSIONS We found RAI to occur in almost half of patients admitted to a hospital for acute decompensation of cirrhosis. RAI was associated with a deficit of substrates for steroidogenesis and an increase in markers of inflammation. Patients with RAI have a high risk of developing sepsis, septic shock, organ failure, and death within 90 days. RAI has similar prognostic value to nonrenal organ failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Piano
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Favaretto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Tonon
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Antonelli
- Unit of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Brocca
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonietta Sticca
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara Mareso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Gringeri
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carla Scaroni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Unit of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Wu J, Li J, Zhang J, Hu X, Yao D, Ma L, Ouyang L, Pan X, Huang J, Lin R, Wang J. In silico identification and experimental validation of diuresis compounds from Euphorbia lathyris for potential UT-B inhibitors. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2015.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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