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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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Lee SC, Baranowski ES, Sakremath R, Saraff V, Mohamed Z. Hypoglycaemia in adrenal insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1198519. [PMID: 38053731 PMCID: PMC10694272 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1198519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency encompasses a group of congenital and acquired disorders that lead to inadequate steroid production by the adrenal glands, mainly glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and androgens. These may be associated with other hormone deficiencies. Adrenal insufficiency may be primary, affecting the adrenal gland's ability to produce cortisol directly; secondary, affecting the pituitary gland's ability to produce adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH); or tertiary, affecting corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) production at the level of the hypothalamus. Congenital causes of adrenal insufficiency include the subtypes of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Adrenal Hypoplasia, genetic causes of Isolated ACTH deficiency or Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiencies, usually caused by mutations in essential transcription factors. The most commonly inherited primary cause of adrenal insufficiency is Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency; with the classical form affecting 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 cases per year. Acquired causes of adrenal insufficiency can be subtyped into autoimmune (Addison's Disease), traumatic (including haemorrhage or infarction), infective (e.g. Tuberculosis), infiltrative (e.g. neuroblastoma) and iatrogenic. Iatrogenic acquired causes include the use of prolonged exogenous steroids and post-surgical causes, such as the excision of a hypothalamic-pituitary tumour or adrenalectomy. Clinical features of adrenal insufficiency vary with age and with aetiology. They are often non-specific and may sometimes become apparent only in times of illness. Features range from those related to hypoglycaemia such as drowsiness, collapse, jitteriness, hypothermia and seizures. Features may also include signs of hypotension such as significant electrolyte imbalances and shock. Recognition of hypoglycaemia as a symptom of adrenal insufficiency is important to prevent treatable causes of sudden deaths. Cortisol has a key role in glucose homeostasis, particularly in the counter-regulatory mechanisms to prevent hypoglycaemia in times of biological stress. Affected neonates particularly appear susceptible to the compromise of these counter-regulatory mechanisms but it is recognised that affected older children and adults remain at risk of hypoglycaemia. In this review, we summarise the pathogenesis of hypoglycaemia in the context of adrenal insufficiency. We further explore the clinical features of hypoglycaemia based on different age groups and the burden of the disease, focusing on hypoglycaemic-related events in the various aetiologies of adrenal insufficiency. Finally, we sum up strategies from published literature for improved recognition and early prevention of hypoglycaemia in adrenal insufficiency, such as the use of continuous glucose monitoring or modifying glucocorticoid replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shien Chen Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth S. Baranowski
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rajesh Sakremath
- Department of Paediatrics, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, United Kingdom
| | - Vrinda Saraff
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Zainaba Mohamed
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Frigerio S, Carosi G, Ferrante E, Sala E, Polledri E, Fustinoni S, Ambrosi B, Chiodini I, Mantovani G, Morelli V, Arosio M. Effects of the therapy shift from cortisone acetate to modified-release hydrocortisone in a group of patients with adrenal insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1093838. [PMID: 36761196 PMCID: PMC9902698 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1093838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) may be exposed to supraphysiological glucocorticoids levels during standard treatment with cortisone acetate (CA) or immediate-release hydrocortisone (IR-HC). Recent studies, predominantly including patients in IR-HC treatment, suggested that modified-release hydrocortisone (MRH) provide a more physiological cortisol rhythm, improving metabolic control and quality of life. Our primary aim was to assess clinical and biochemical modifications in patients shifted from CA to MRH. DESIGN/METHODS We designed a retrospective longitudinal study, enrolling 45 AI patients (22 primary and 23 secondary AI) treated exclusively with CA thrice daily, shifted to MRH once daily; 29/45 patients concluded at least 18-months follow-up (MRH-group). We recruited 35 AI patients continuing CA as a control group (CA-group). Biochemical and clinical data, including metabolic parameters, bone quality, and symptoms of under- or overtreatment were collected. In 24 patients, a daily salivary cortisol curve (SCC) performed before and one month after shifting to MRH was compared to healthy subjects (HS). RESULTS No significant changes in glycometabolic and bone parameters were observed both in MRH and CA-groups during a median follow-up of 35 months. A more frequent decrease in blood pressure values (23.1% vs 2.8%, p=0.04) and improvement of under- or overtreatment symptoms were observed in MRH vs CA-group. The SCC showed a significant steroid overexposure in both CA and MRH-groups compared to HS [AUC (area under the curve) = 74.4 ± 38.1 nmol×hr/L and 94.6 ± 62.5 nmol×hr/L respectively, vs 44.1 ± 8.4 nmol×hr/L, p<0.01 for both comparisons], although SCC profile was more similar to HS in MRH-group. CONCLUSIONS In our experience, patients shifted from CA to equivalent doses of MRH do not show significant glycometabolic modifications but blood pressure control and symptoms of over-or undertreatment may improve. The lack of amelioration in glucose metabolism and total cortisol daily exposure could suggest the need for a dose reduction when shifting from CA to MRH, due to their different pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Frigerio
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Carosi
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Ferrante
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Sala
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Polledri
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Iacopo Chiodini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Ospedale Niguarda-Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mantovani
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Morelli
- Unit for Bone Metabolism Diseases and Diabetes, Istituto Auxologico Italiano Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Morelli,
| | - Maura Arosio
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCSS) Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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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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Bannon CAM, Border D, Hanson P, Hattersley J, Weickert MO, Grossman A, Randeva HS, Barber TM. Early Metabolic Benefits of Switching Hydrocortisone to Modified Release Hydrocortisone in Adult Adrenal Insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:641247. [PMID: 33776936 PMCID: PMC7992002 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.641247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare metabolic effects of modified release hydrocortisone (MR-HC) with standard hydrocortisone (HC) therapies in adults with Adrenal Insufficiency (AI). METHODS Adult patients (n = 12) with AI, established on HC therapy, were recruited from Endocrinology clinics at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW), UK. Baseline (HC) metabolic assessments included fasting serum HbA1C, lipid and thyroid profiles, accurate measures of body composition (BodPod), and 24-h continuous measures of energy expenditure including Sleeping Metabolic Rate (SMR) using indirect calorimetry within the Human Metabolism Research Unit, UHCW. All participants then switched HC to MR-HC with repeat (MR-HC) metabolic assessments at 3 months. Paired-sample t-tests were used for data comparisons between HC and MR-HC assessments: P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Following exclusion of 2 participants, analyses were based on 10 participants. Compared with baseline HC data, following 3 months of MR-HC therapy mean fat mass reduced significantly by -3.2 kg (95% CI: -6.0 to -0.4). Mean (SD) baseline HC fat mass vs repeat MR-HC fat mass: 31.9 kg (15.2) vs 28.7 kg (12.8) respectively, P = 0.03. Mean SMR increased significantly by +77 kcal/24 h (95% CI: 10-146). Mean (SD) baseline HC SMR vs repeat MR-HC SMR: 1,517 kcal/24 h (301) vs 1,594 kcal/24 h (344) respectively, P = 0.03. Mean body fat percentage reduced significantly by -3.4% (95% CI: -6.5 to -0.2). Other measures of body composition, energy expenditure, and biochemical analytes were equivalent between HC and MR-HC assessments. CONCLUSIONS In adults with AI, switching from standard HC to MR-HC associates with early metabolic benefits of reduced fat mass and increased SMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. M. Bannon
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Border
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Hanson
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - John Hattersley
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Centre of Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Martin O. Weickert
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Centre of Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Grossman
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Centre of Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M. Barber
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- NIHR CRF Human Metabolism Research Unit, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Thomas M. Barber,
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Beshyah SA, Ali KF, Saadi HF. Management of adrenal insufficiency during Ramadan fasting: a survey of physicians. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:804-811. [PMID: 32738124 PMCID: PMC7487190 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Appropriate dose adjustments of glucocorticoids replacement therapy for adrenal insufficiency (AI) is vital. OBJECTIVE We sought to scope physicians' perceptions, and practices regarding Ramadan fasting (RF) impact on the management of AI. METHODS A web-based survey of a convenience sample of endocrinologists. RESULTS Nearly two-thirds of 145 respondents (64.1%) were adult endocrinologists and almost half (49%) saw more than 10 hypoadrenal patients per year. Most respondents (78.6%) prescribed hydrocortisone, while the minority prescribed other preparations. The glucocorticoid doses were reportedly divided twice daily by 70.8% and thrice daily by 22.2% of respondents. Respondents recognized RF as having potential consequences in adrenal insufficiency patients included causing hypoglycaemia, undue tiredness, and fatigue, hypotension, feeling dizzy, and light-headedness. Symptoms of under-replacement were thought to happen in the late afternoon by 59.3% of respondents. Almost half (45.5%) of respondents thought that RF has some probable or definite impact on glucocorticoid therapy that certainly warrants specific concern and possible action. Three quarters (76.4%) of respondents confirmed providing specific management recommendations during RF. The most frequently reported recommendation was taking in the usual morning dose of hydrocortisone just before pre-dawn meal (Suhor) (57.8%). A third switch patients from hydrocortisone to prednisolone/prednisone. Half reported providing patients with specific recommendations regarding breaking their fast and/or seeking help if hypoadrenal symptoms occur. CONCLUSIONS There is a remarkable variation in the physicians' perceptions and practices regarding the management of AI during Ramadan. This warrants professional effort to increase the awareness and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem A Beshyah
- Department of Medicine, Dubai Medical College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khawla F Ali
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
- Correspondence should be addressed to K F Ali:
| | - Hussein F Saadi
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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