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Kalafateli M, Aggeletopoulou I, Triantos C. Adrenal insufficiency in liver diseases - pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024:10.1007/s11154-024-09874-0. [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] [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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Ekawaravong S, Treepongkaruna S, Poomthavorn P, Pongratanakul S, Khlairit P, Chanprasertyothin S, Mahachoklertwattana P. Overdiagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in children with biliary atresia. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2023; 32:147-154. [PMID: 37362167 PMCID: PMC10288293 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.2022-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum cortisol mainly binds to the cortisol-binding globulin (CBG). Children with biliary atresia (BA) may have low serum CBG levels; thus, low serum total cortisol (TC) levels and adrenal insufficiency (AI) may be overdiagnosed. This study aimed to assess adrenal function in children with BA. All the patients underwent adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests. Plasma ACTH, serum TC, and CBG levels were measured at baseline, with additional TC measurements at 30 and 60 min during testing. Free cortisol (FC) index (FCI) and calculated FC (cFC) were also calculated. AI was defined as peak TC <500 nmol/L (<18 μg/dL), peak FCI <12 nmol/mg, or peak cFC <33 nmol/L (<1.2 μg/dL). This study enrolled 71 children with BA. The Median (IQR) age of the patients was 5.5 (1.7-11.4) years. Twenty-five (35%) patients were diagnosed with AI based on the peak TC. In the AI group, the median serum CBG level was significantly lower than that in the non-AI group (481 vs. 533 nmol/L, p = 0.03). Only eight patients (11%) met all three AI criteria (six secondary AI and two primary AI). In conclusion, low serum CBG levels contribute to reduced peak TC and, consequently, overdiagnosing AI. Peak FCI and cFC could help reduce the overdiagnosis of AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparat Ekawaravong
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suporn Treepongkaruna
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Preamrudee Poomthavorn
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sarunyu Pongratanakul
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patcharin Khlairit
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Pat Mahachoklertwattana
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Dorin RI, Urban FK, Perogamvros I, Qualls CR. Four-Compartment Diffusion Model of Cortisol Disposition: Comparison With 3 Alternative Models in Current Clinical Use. J Endocr Soc 2022; 7:bvac173. [PMID: 36628386 PMCID: PMC9815201 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Estimated rates of cortisol elimination and appearance vary according to the model used to obtain them. Generalizability of current models of cortisol disposition in healthy humans is limited. Objective Development and validation of a realistic, mechanistic model of cortisol disposition that accounts for the major factors influencing plasma cortisol concentrations in vivo (Model 4), and comparison to previously described models of cortisol disposition in current clinical use (Models 1-3). Methods The 4 models were independently applied to cortisol concentration data obtained for the hydrocortisone bolus experiment (20 mg) in 2 clinical groups: healthy volunteers (HVs, n = 6) and corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG)-deficient (n = 2). Model 4 used Fick's first law of diffusion to model free cortisol flux between vascular and extravascular compartments. Pharmacokinetic parameter solutions for Models 1-4 were optimized by numerical methods, and model-specific parameter solutions were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. Models and respective parameter solutions were compared by mathematical and simulation analyses, and an assessment tool was used to compare performance characteristics of the four models evaluated herein. Results Cortisol half-lives differed significantly between models (all P < .001) with significant model-group interaction (P = .02). In comparative analysis, Model 4 solutions yielded significantly reduced free cortisol half-life, improved fit to experimental data (both P < .01), and superior model performance. Conclusion The proposed 4-compartment diffusion model (Model 4) is consistent with relevant experimental observations and met the greatest number of empiric validation criteria. Cortisol half-life solutions obtained using Model 4 were generalizable between HV and CBG-deficient groups and bolus and continuous modes of hydrocortisone infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard I Dorin
- Correspondence: Richard Dorin, MD, New Mexico VA Healthcare System, 1501 San
Pedro Drive, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.
| | - Frank K Urban
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International
University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ilias Perogamvros
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, School of Medical
Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13
9PL, UK
| | - Clifford R Qualls
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New
Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA,Department of Research, New Mexico Veterans Affairs Healthcare
System, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
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Abstract
Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis assessment in patients with cirrhosis is challenging. The phenotype of fatigue, hypotension, electrolyte disarray, and abdominal pain characterizing primary adrenal insufficiency (AI) overlaps significantly with decompensated liver disease. Reliance on total cortisol assays in hypoproteinemic states is problematic, yet abnormal stimulated levels in cirrhosis are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Alternative measures including free plasma or salivary cortisol levels have theoretical merit but are limited by unclear prognostic significance and undefined cirrhosis-specific reference ranges. Further complicating matters is that AI in cirrhosis represents a spectrum of impairment. Although absolute cortisol deficiency can occur, this represents a minority of cases. Instead, there is an emerging concept that cirrhosis, with or without critical illness, may induce a “relative” cortisol deficiency during times of stress. In addition, the limitations posed by decreased synthesis of binding globulins in cirrhosis necessitate re-evaluation of traditional AI diagnostic thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Wentworth
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA
| | - Helmy M Siragy
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA
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Genere N, Kaur RJ, Athimulam S, Thomas MA, Nippoldt T, Van Norman M, Singh R, Grebe S, Bancos I. Interpretation of Abnormal Dexamethasone Suppression Test is Enhanced With Use of Synchronous Free Cortisol Assessment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1221-e1230. [PMID: 34648626 PMCID: PMC9006975 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Interpretation of dexamethasone suppression test (DST) may be influenced by dexamethasone absorption and metabolism and by the altered cortisol binding. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the normal ranges of free cortisol during DST in participants without adrenal disorders and to identify the population of patients where post-DST free cortisol measurements add value to the diagnostic workup. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS Adult volunteers without adrenal disorders (n = 168; 47 women on oral contraceptive therapy [OCP], 66 women not on OCP, 55 men) and patients undergoing evaluation for hypercortisolism (n = 196; 16 women on OCP). MEASUREMENTS Post-DST dexamethasone and free cortisol (mass spectrometry) and total cortisol (immunoassay). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reference range for post-DST free cortisol, diagnostic accuracy of post-DST total cortisol. RESULTS Adequate dexamethasone concentrations (≥0.1 mcg/dL) were seen in 97.6% volunteers and 96.3% patients. Only 25.5% of women volunteers on OCP had abnormal post-DST total cortisol (>1.8 mcg/dL). In volunteers, the upper post-DST free cortisol range was 48 ng/dL in men and women not on OCP, and 79 ng/dL in women on OCP. When compared with post-DST free cortisol, diagnostic accuracy of post-DST total cortisol was 87.3% (95% CI, 81.7-91.7); all false-positive results occurred in patients with post-DST cortisol between 1.8 and 5 mcg/dL. OCP use was the only factor associated with false-positive results (21.1% vs 4.9%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Post-DST free cortisol measurements are valuable in patients with optimal dexamethasone concentrations and post-DST total cortisol between 1.8 and 5 mcg/dL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Genere
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine; Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ravinder Jeet Kaur
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Shobana Athimulam
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Bone and Mineral Disorders, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Melinda A Thomas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Todd Nippoldt
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Molly Van Norman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ravinder Singh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Stefan Grebe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Correspondence: Irina Bancos, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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