Survey of adrenal crisis associated with inhaled corticosteroids in the United Kingdom

Effect of a Combination of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Extracts in Respiratory Discomfort: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

The increased global prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in recent years has caused a substantial public health burden. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) extracts can alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical efficacy and safety profile of this combination in patients with respiratory diseases remain unclear. Therefore, this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extracts in adults with respiratory discomfort. This mixture was termed 'CKDB-315'. Participants, randomly assigned to the CKDB-315 or placebo groups, were treated for 12 weeks. Assessments included the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT). The CKDB-315 group showed considerably improved SGRQ and CAT scores compared with the placebo group. Secondary outcomes, including dyspnea, pulmonary function, total antioxidant status, and inflammatory cytokine levels, were consistent with the primary outcomes. Exploratory analyses of the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid contents revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of CKDB-315. Finally, safety analysis indicated that CKDB-315 was well tolerated and caused few adverse events. Our findings indicate that CKDB-315 is a promising therapeutic option for respiratory discomfort in adults.

Urine metabolomics signature reveals novel determinants of adrenal suppression in children taking inhaled corticosteroids to control asthma symptoms

BACKGROUND

Asthma is routinely treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Asthma patients on ICS are at increased risk of adrenal suppression, a potentially serious effect of long-term glucocorticoid exposure; however, this relationship is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to identify metabolite biomarkers related to adrenal suppression in asthma patients taking ICS.

METHODS

A total of 571 urine metabolites from 200 children with asthma on ICS in the Pharmacogenetics of Adrenal Suppression with Inhaled Steroids (PASS) cohort were profiled. Samples were grouped by peak plasma cortisol measurement as adrenal sufficient (>350 nmol/L) or insufficient (≤350 nmol/L) (outcome). Regression and discriminant-based statistical models combined with network analyses were utilized to assess relationships between metabolites and the outcome. Finally, prioritized metabolites were validated using data from an ancillary study of the Childhood Asthma Management (CAMP) cohort with similar characteristics to PASS.

RESULTS

Ninety metabolites were significantly associated with adrenal suppression, of which 57 also could discriminate adrenal status. While 26 metabolites (primarily steroids) were present at lower levels in the adrenal insufficient patients, 14 were significantly elevated in this group; the top metabolite, mannitol/sorbitol, was previously associated with asthma exacerbations. Network analyses identified unique clusters of metabolites related to steroids, fatty acid oxidation, and nucleoside metabolism, respectively. Four metabolites including urocanic acid, acetylcarnitine, uracil, and sorbitol were validated in CAMP cohort for adrenal suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary metabolites differ among asthma patients on ICS, by adrenal status. While steroid metabolites were reduced in patients with poor adrenal function, our findings also implicate previously unreported metabolites involved in amino acid, lipid, and nucleoside metabolism.

Iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency in adults

Iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency (IAI) is the most common form of adrenal insufficiency in adult patients, although its overall exact prevalence remains unclear. IAI is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including adrenal crisis, impaired quality of life and increased mortality; therefore, it is imperative that clinicians maintain a high index of suspicion in patients at risk of IAI to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate management. Herein, we review the major causes, clinical consequences, diagnosis and care of patients with IAI. The management of IAI, particularly glucocorticoid-induced (or tertiary) adrenal insufficiency, can be particularly challenging, and the provision of adequate glucocorticoid replacement must be balanced against minimizing the cardiometabolic effects of excess glucocorticoid exposure and optimizing recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We review current treatment strategies and their limitations and discuss developments in optimizing treatment of IAI. This comprehensive Review aims to aid clinicians in identifying who is at risk of IAI, how to approach screening of at-risk populations and how to treat patients with IAI, with a focus on emergency management and prevention of an adrenal crisis.

GEMA 5.3. Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma

The Spanish Guideline on the Management of Asthma, better known by its acronym in Spanish GEMA, has been available for more than 20 years. Twenty-one scientific societies or related groups both from Spain and internationally have participated in the preparation and development of the updated edition of GEMA, which in fact has been currently positioned as the reference guide on asthma in the Spanish language worldwide. Its objective is to prevent and improve the clinical situation of people with asthma by increasing the knowledge of healthcare professionals involved in their care. Its purpose is to convert scientific evidence into simple and easy-to-follow practical recommendations. Therefore, it is not a monograph that brings together all the scientific knowledge about the disease, but rather a brief document with the essentials, designed to be applied quickly in routine clinical practice. The guidelines are necessarily multidisciplinary, developed to be useful and an indispensable tool for physicians of different specialties, as well as nurses and pharmacists. Probably the most outstanding aspects of the guide are the recommendations to: establish the diagnosis of asthma using a sequential algorithm based on objective diagnostic tests; the follow-up of patients, preferably based on the strategy of achieving and maintaining control of the disease; treatment according to the level of severity of asthma, using six steps from least to greatest need of pharmaceutical drugs, and the treatment algorithm for the indication of biologics in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma based on phenotypes. And now, in addition to that, there is a novelty for easy use and follow-up through a computer application based on the chatbot-type conversational artificial intelligence (ia-GEMA).

Long-Term Usage of Oral Glucocorticoids Leading to Adrenal Insufficiency: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Systemic glucocorticoid therapy is used worldwide by one to three percent of the general population and 0.5-1.8% on long-term oral glucocorticoid use. It is widely used in conditions such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer to inhibit inflammatory responses. One of the possible undesirable side effects of exogenous corticosteroid treatment is adrenal suppression upon discontinuation of the medication and adrenal insufficiency after utilizing the supraphysiologic doses for more than one month. To prevent patients from the unwanted signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, including fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, anorexia/weight loss, etc., better management of the quantity and frequency of exogenous corticosteroid use, as well as better education before starting its use, is needed. For patients actively on exogenous corticosteroids, a close follow-up must be in place to avoid adrenal suppression after the eventual discontinuation of their use. This review article summarizes the important studies to date on this subject, especially oral glucocorticoid use, and analyzes risks such as dose, duration of exposure, and comorbidities of adrenal insufficiency associated with oral glucocorticoid use. We comprehensively include information on those with primary adrenal insufficiency and pediatric patients, hoping to provide better insight and clinical reference.

The Contribution of Oral and Inhaled Glucocorticoids to Adrenal Insufficiency in Asthma

BACKGROUND

Exposure to any form of glucocorticoid preparation is associated with a risk of adrenal insufficiency (AI).

OBJECTIVE

To establish the contribution of oral corticosteroid (OCS) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) exposure to the risk of AI in a cohort of patients (n = 80) with severe, uncontrolled asthma.

METHODS

We compiled individualized cumulative OCS and ICS exposure data using a combination of health care records and electronic inhaler monitoring using an Inhaler Compliance Assessment device and estimated the risk of AI for each participant using a morning serum cortisol concentration.

RESULTS

The predicted prevalence of AI based on morning cortisol concentrations was 25% (20 of 80). Participants on maintenance OCS therapy had the highest risk of AI at 60% (6 of 10) compared with 17% (11 of 65) in those with no recent OCS exposure. Morning serum cortisol correlated negatively with both OCS exposure (mg/kg prednisolone) (r = -0.4; P < .0002) and ICS exposure (mg/kg fluticasone propionate) (r = -0.26; P = .019). Logistic regression of risk of AI against the number of standard treatment courses of OCS demonstrated a positive relationship although this did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.97-2.05; P = .073). Logistic regression analysis, categorizing patients as high-risk AI (cortisol <130 nmol/L) or not (cortisol >130 nmol/L), showed that cumulative ICS exposure remained a significant predictor of AI, even when exposure to OCS was controlled for (odds ratio, 2.17 per 1 mg/kg increase in cumulative fluticasone propionate exposure; 95% CI, 1.06-4.42; P = .033).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that AI is common among patients with asthma and highlights that the risk of AI is associated with both high-dose ICS therapy and intermittent treatment courses of OCS.

Frequency of adrenal insufficiency in patients with hypoglycemia in an emergency department: A cross-sectional study

Context

In most patients presenting with hypoglycemia in emergency departments, the etiology of hypoglycemia is identified. However, it cannot be determined in approximately 10% of cases.

Objective

We aimed to identify the causes of unknown hypoglycemia, especially adrenal insufficiency.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the etiology of hypoglycemia among patients in our emergency department with hypoglycemia (plasma glucose level &lt;70 mg/dL [3.9 mmol/L]) between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2021, using a rapid adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) test.

Results

There were 528 cases with hypoglycemia included (52.1% male; median age 62 years [range 19 to 92]). The majority (389 [73.7%]) of patients were using anti-diabetes drugs. Additionally, 33 (6.3%) consumed alcohol, 17 (3.2%) suffered from malnutrition, 13 (2.5%) liver dysfunction, 12 (2.3%) severe infectious disease, 11 (2.1%) malignancy, 9 (1.7%) heart failure, 4 (0.8%) insulin autoimmune syndrome, 3 (0.6%) insulinoma, 2 (0.4%) were using hypoglycemia-relevant drugs, and 1 (0.2%) suffered from non-islet cell tumor. Rapid ACTH tests revealed adrenal insufficiency in 32 (6.1%). In those patients, serum sodium levels were lower (132 vs. 139 mEq/L, P&lt;0.01), eosinophil counts were higher (14 vs. 8%, P&lt;0.01), and systolic blood pressure was lower (120 vs. 128 mmHg, P&lt;0.05) at baseline than in patients with the other etiologies, respectively.

Conclusion

The frequency of adrenal insufficiency as a cause of hypoglycemia was much higher than what we anticipated. When protracted hypoglycemia of unknown etiology is recognized, we recommend that the patient is checked for adrenal function using a rapid ACTH test.

Indian Guidelines on Nebulization Therapy

Inhalational therapy, today, happens to be the mainstay of treatment in obstructive airway diseases (OADs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is also in the present, used in a variety of other pulmonary and even non-pulmonary disorders. Hand-held inhalation devices may often be difficult to use, particularly for children, elderly, debilitated or distressed patients. Nebulization therapy emerges as a good option in these cases besides being useful in the home care, emergency room and critical care settings. With so many advancements taking place in nebulizer technology; availability of a plethora of drug formulations for its use, and the widening scope of this therapy; medical practitioners, respiratory therapists, and other health care personnel face the challenge of choosing appropriate inhalation devices and drug formulations, besides their rational application and use in different clinical situations. Adequate maintenance of nebulizer equipment including their disinfection and storage are the other relevant issues requiring guidance. Injudicious and improper use of nebulizers and their poor maintenance can sometimes lead to serious health hazards, nosocomial infections, transmission of infection, and other adverse outcomes. Thus, it is imperative to have a proper national guideline on nebulization practices to bridge the knowledge gaps amongst various health care personnel involved in this practice. It will also serve as an educational and scientific resource for healthcare professionals, as well as promote future research by identifying neglected and ignored areas in this field. Such comprehensive guidelines on this subject have not been available in the country and the only available proper international guidelines were released in 1997 which have not been updated for a noticeably long period of over two decades, though many changes and advancements have taken place in this technology in the recent past. Much of nebulization practices in the present may not be evidence-based and even some of these, the way they are currently used, may be ineffective or even harmful. Recognizing the knowledge deficit and paucity of guidelines on the usage of nebulizers in various settings such as inpatient, out-patient, emergency room, critical care, and domiciliary use in India in a wide variety of indications to standardize nebulization practices and to address many other related issues; National College of Chest Physicians (India), commissioned a National task force consisting of eminent experts in the field of Pulmonary Medicine from different backgrounds and different parts of the country to review the available evidence from the medical literature on the scientific principles and clinical practices of nebulization therapy and to formulate evidence-based guidelines on it. The guideline is based on all possible literature that could be explored with the best available evidence and incorporating expert opinions. To support the guideline with high-quality evidence, a systematic search of the electronic databases was performed to identify the relevant studies, position papers, consensus reports, and recommendations published. Rating of the level of the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation was done using the GRADE system. Six topics were identified, each given to one group of experts comprising of advisors, chairpersons, convenor and members, and such six groups (A-F) were formed and the consensus recommendations of each group was included as a section in the guidelines (Sections I to VI). The topics included were: A. Introduction, basic principles and technical aspects of nebulization, types of equipment, their choice, use, and maintenance B. Nebulization therapy in obstructive airway diseases C. Nebulization therapy in the intensive care unit D. Use of various drugs (other than bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids) by nebulized route and miscellaneous uses of nebulization therapy E. Domiciliary/Home/Maintenance nebulization therapy; public & health care workers education, and F. Nebulization therapy in COVID-19 pandemic and in patients of other contagious viral respiratory infections (included later considering the crisis created due to COVID-19 pandemic). Various issues in different sections have been discussed in the form of questions, followed by point-wise evidence statements based on the existing knowledge, and recommendations have been formulated.

Approach to the Patient With Glucocorticoid-induced Adrenal Insufficiency

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency is caused by exogenous glucocorticoid suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and is the most prevalent form of adrenal insufficiency. The condition is important to diagnose given the risk of life-threatening adrenal crisis and impact on patients' quality of life. The diagnosis is made with a stimulation test such as the ACTH test. Until now, testing for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency has often been based on clinical suspicion rather than routinely but accumulating evidence indicates that a significant number of cases will remain unrecognized. During ongoing oral glucocorticoid treatment or initially after withdrawal, ~50% of patients have adrenal insufficiency, but, outside clinical studies, ≤ 1% of patients have adrenal testing recorded. More than 70% of cases are identified during acute hospital admission, where the diagnosis can easily be missed because symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are nonspecific and overlap those of the underlying and intercurrent conditions. Treatment of severe glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency should follow the principles for treatment of central adrenal insufficiency. The clinical implications and thus indication to treat mild-moderate adrenal deficiency after glucocorticoid withdrawal has not been established. Also, the indication of adding stress dosages of glucocorticoid during ongoing glucocorticoid treatment remains unclear. In patients with established glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency, high rates of poor confidence in self-management and delayed glucocorticoid administration in the acute setting with an imminent adrenal crisis call for improved awareness and education of clinicians and patients. This article reviews different facets of glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency and discusses approaches to the condition in common clinical situations.

Baseline and peak cortisol response to the low dose short Synacthen test relates to indication for testing, age and sex

Objective

To review the outcomes of a simplified low dose Synacthen test (LDSST) performed in a tertiary endocrine service over seven years, and to examine for relationships between cortisol measurements and indication for testing, age and sex.

Design

Retrospective, observational study of LDSST performed in 2008 – 2014 (N=335) and 2016-2020 (N=160).

Methods

LDSST were performed by endocrine nurses. Synacthen 500ng/1.73m 2 administered as IV bolus, sampling at 0, 15, 25 and 35 minutes.

Results

Mean (± 1SD) baseline cortisol was 221 ± 120 nmol/L, peak 510 ± 166nmol/L and increment 210 ± 116 nmol/L. 336 (70%) of patients had a normal response (baseline cortisol &gt;100nmol/L, peak &gt;450nmol/L), 78 (16%) a suboptimal response (peak cortisol 350-450nmol/L) and were prescribed hydrocortisone to during periods of stress only, 67 (14%) an abnormal response (baseline &lt;100nmol/L or peak &lt;350nmol/L) and were prescribed daily hydrocortisone. Basal, peak and incremental increases in cortisol were higher in females (p=0.03, p&lt;0.001, p=0.03 respectively). Abnormal results occurred most frequently in patients treated previously with pharmacological doses of glucocorticoids or structural brain abnormalities (p&lt;0.0001).

Discussion

There are concerns that the specificity of the LDSST is poor. The low prevalence and strong association of abnormal results with indication for testing, suggests that over diagnosis occurred infrequently in this clinical setting.

Severe and Difficult Asthma: Diagnosis and Management-Challenges for a Low-Resource Environment

Severe and difficult asthma in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) can relate to (a) lack of availability of basic medications; (b) potentially reversible factors such as poor adherence or comorbidities such as obesity inhibiting a good response to treatment; and (c) (rarely) true severe, therapy-resistant asthma. However, definitions of severity should encompass not merely doses of prescribed medication, but also underlying risk. The nature of asthmatic airway disease shows geographical variation, and LMIC asthma should not be assumed to be phenotypically the same as that in high-income countries (HICs). The first assessment step is to ensure another diagnosis is not being missed. Largely, political action is needed if children with asthma are to get access to basic medications. If a child is apparently not responding to low dose, simple medications, the next step is not to increase the dose but perform a detailed assessment of what factors (for example co-morbidities such as obesity, or social factors like poor adherence) are inhibiting a treatment response; in most cases, an underlying reason can be found. An assessment of risk of future severe asthma attacks, side-effects of medication and impaired lung development is also important. True severe, therapy-resistant asthma is rare and there are multiple underlying molecular pathologies. In HICs, steroid-resistant eosinophilia would be treated with omalizumab or mepolizumab, but the cost of these is prohibitive in LMICs, the biomarkers of successful therapy are likely only relevant to HICs. In LMICs, a raised blood eosinophil count may be due to parasites, so treating asthma based on the blood eosinophil count may not be appropriate in these settings.

Glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency in children: Morning cortisol values to avoid LDSST

OBJECTIVES

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency (GI-AI) is a common side effect of glucocorticoid therapy. However, its diagnosis currently relies on the realization of a Low Dose Short Synacthen Test (LD-SST) that requires an outpatient hospital and several blood samples. Our goal was to evaluate whether morning cortisol values could predict the response to LD-SST, in children, to avoid useless dynamic tests and facilitate diagnosis of glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency.

STUDY DESIGN

We recorded data of 91 pediatric patients who underwent a LD-SST in our center between 2016 and 2020 in a retrospective observational study. We selected LD-SST realized following administration of supra-physiologic doses of glucocorticoids during more than 3 weeks and performed at least four weeks after treatment was stopped. Adrenal deficiency was defined as a plasma cortisol concentration inferior to 500 nmol/l at LD-SST.

RESULTS

Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed in 60% of our cohort. Morning cortisol values were predictive of the response to the LD-SST (AUC ROC 0.78). A plasma cortisol concentration of less than 144 nmol/l predicted glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency with a specificity of 94% and a value over 317 nmol/l predicted recovery of the HPA axis with a sensitivity of 95%. We did not find any other predictive factor for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Morning cortisol values can safely assess recovery of the HPA axis in children treated chronically with glucocorticoids. Using these thresholds, more than 50% of LD-SST could be avoided in children.

Halobetasol propionate lotion 0.05% in patients 12 to 16 years 11 months of age with plaque psoriasis: Results of an open-label study evaluating adrenal suppression potential

Background

The effects of halobetasol propionate (HBP) lotion 0.05% on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have not been previously evaluated in adolescents.

Objective

To examine the effect of HBP on HPA axis suppression in patients aged <17 years with plaque psoriasis.

Methods

In this phase 4, open-label, multicenter study, patients aged 12 to 16 years 11 months with stable plaque psoriasis covering ≥10% of their body surface area were enrolled. The patients applied an HBP lotion twice daily for up to 2 weeks. The cosyntropin stimulation test was used to determine cortisol levels at the time of screening and at the end of the study to evaluate HPA axis response. The additional endpoints included adverse events, disease severity (measured using Investigator Global Assessment score), and percent body surface area affected.

Results

Sixteen patients were enrolled and included in the safety population; 14 were included in the evaluable population. One patient exhibited an abnormal HPA axis response (16.2 μg/dL) at the end of the study; the response returned to normal at the 6-month follow-up visit. By the end of the study, the Investigator Global Assessment score improved by ≥1 point in most patients; moreover, the percent body surface area affected decreased from 11.5% to 2.8%. One mild adverse event was possibly related to the HBP lotion; however, it resolved and did not cause study discontinuation.

Limitations

Small sample size.

Conclusion

The HBP lotion 0.05% appeared efficacious and well tolerated in patients as young as 12 years old.

Adrenal suppression from exogenous glucocorticoids: Recognizing risk factors and preventing morbidity

Adrenal suppression (AS), a potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy (including inhaled corticosteroids), can be associated with significant morbidity and even death. In Canada, adrenal crisis secondary to AS continues to be reported in children. Being aware of symptoms associated with AS, understanding the risk factors for developing this condition, and familiarity with potential strategies to reduce risks associated with AS, are essential starting points for any clinician prescribing glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency

Synthetic glucocorticoids are widely used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. A possible unwanted effect of glucocorticoid treatment is suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Factors affecting the risk of glucocorticoid induced adrenal insufficiency (GI-AI) include the duration of glucocorticoid therapy, mode of administration, glucocorticoid dose and potency, concomitant drugs that interfere with glucocorticoid metabolism, and individual susceptibility. Patients with exogenous glucocorticoid use may develop features of Cushing's syndrome and, subsequently, glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome when the treatment is tapered down. Symptoms of glucocorticoid withdrawal can overlap with those of the underlying disorder, as well as of GI-AI. A careful approach to the glucocorticoid taper and appropriate patient counseling are needed to assure a successful taper. Glucocorticoid therapy should not be completely stopped until recovery of adrenal function is achieved. In this review, we discuss the factors affecting the risk of GI-AI, propose a regimen for the glucocorticoid taper, and make suggestions for assessment of adrenal function recovery. We also describe current gaps in the management of patients with GI-AI and make suggestions for an approach to the glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome, chronic management of glucocorticoid therapy, and education on GI-AI for patients and providers.

La suppression surrénalienne causée par les glucocorticoïdes exogènes : en reconnaître les facteurs de risque et en prévenir les effets

La suppression surrénalienne, un effet secondaire potentiel du traitement aux glucocorticoïdes (y compris les corticostéroïdes inhalés), peut avoir des conséquences graves et même fatales. Au Canada, on continue de déclarer des poussées d’insuffisance corticosurrénalienne consécutives à une suppression surrénalienne chez les enfants. Avant de prescrire des glucocorticoïdes, le clinicien doit absolument connaître les symptômes de suppression surrénalienne, comprendre les facteurs de risque de cette affection et être au courant des stratégies susceptibles d’en réduire les risques.

Fifteen-minute consultation: An approach to the child receiving glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids (GC) are used in paediatric practice for a broad range of conditions and all paediatricians will prescribe GC, in some form, during their career. A wide variety of GC formulations, doses and administration routes are used for periods of time ranging from days to years. Exposure to exogenous GC can result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression-otherwise known as adrenal suppression (AS). Patients with AS may be well most of the time but if GC therapy is reduced or stopped or if additional endogenous GC cannot be generated during illness, then an absolute or relative lack of GC can result in severe illness or death. Here, we highlight the relevance of AS to all paediatricians by providing an overview of the background and discussing the presentation and approaches to the management of this clinical entity.

Task Force report: European Respiratory Society guidelines for the management of children and adolescents with bronchiectasis

There is increasing awareness of bronchiectasis in children and adolescents, a chronic pulmonary disorder associated with poor quality-of-life for the child/adolescent and their parents, recurrent exacerbations and costs to the family and health systems. Optimal treatment improves clinical outcomes. Several national guidelines exist, but there are no international guidelines.The European Respiratory Society (ERS) Task Force for the management of paediatric bronchiectasis sought to identify evidence-based management (investigation and treatment) strategies. It used the ERS standardised process that included a systematic review of the literature and application of the GRADE approach to define the quality of the evidence and level of recommendations.A multidisciplinary team of specialists in paediatric and adult respiratory medicine, infectious disease, physiotherapy, primary care, nursing, radiology, immunology, methodology, patient advocacy and parents of children/adolescents with bronchiectasis considered the most relevant clinical questions (for both clinicians and patients) related to managing paediatric bronchiectasis. Fourteen key clinical questions (7 "Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome" [PICO] and 7 narrative) were generated. The outcomes for each PICO were decided by voting by the panel and parent advisory group.This guideline addresses the definition, diagnostic approach and antibiotic treatment of exacerbations, pathogen eradication, long-term antibiotic therapy, asthma-type therapies (inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators), mucoactive drugs, airway clearance, investigation of underlying causes of bronchiectasis, disease monitoring, factors to consider before surgical treatment and the reversibility and prevention of bronchiectasis in children/adolescents. Benchmarking quality of care for children/adolescents with bronchiectasis to improve clinical outcomes and evidence gaps for future research could be based on these recommendations.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression in asthma: A glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism may protect

BACKGROUND

Asthmatic children on corticosteroids can develop hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression (HPAS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs242941 and rs1876828 of the corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) gene were associated with lower stimulated cortisol (F) levels, whereas rs41423247 of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene was associated with higher basal F levels. The objective of the current study was to confirm whether these three SNPs are associated with HPAS in asthmatic children.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from saliva obtained from 95 asthmatic children, who had previously undergone basal F and metyrapone testing. Thirty-six children were classified as suppressed. Non-suppressed children were subclassified according to their post-metyrapone adrenocorticotropin (PMTP ACTH) level into a middle (106-319 pg/mL) and a high (>319 pg/mL) ACTH response group. TaqMan^® polymerase chain reaction assays were utilized.

RESULTS

Only rs41423247 was inversely associated with HPAS (OR = 0.27 [95% CI 0.06-0.90]). Its GC genotype was inversely associated with HPAS (log odds = -1.28, P = .021). √PMTP ACTH was associated with CC (effect size = 10.85, P = .005) and GC genotypes (effect size = 4.06, P = .023). The C allele is inherited as a dominant trait (effect size = -1.31 (95% CI -2.39--0.33; P = .012). In the high ACTH response group, both genotypes affected the PMTP ACTH (effect sizes 1.41 and 15.46; P-values .023 and <2 × 10^-26 for GC and CC, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The C allele of rs41423247 was found to be protective against HPAS. CC genotype is associated with the highest PMTP ACTH response.

Perioperative glucocorticoid management based on current evidence

Glucocorticoid preparations, adreno-cortical steroids, with strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, are widely used for treating various diseases. The number of patients exposed to steroid therapy prior to surgery is increasing. When these patients present for surgery, the anesthesiologist must decide whether to administer perioperative steroid supplementation. Stress-dose glucocorticoid administration is required during the perioperative period because of the possibility of failure of cortisol secretion to cope with the increased cortisol requirement due to surgical stress, adrenal insufficiency, hemodynamic instability, and the possibility of adrenal crisis. Therefore, glucocorticoids should be supplemented at the same level as that of normal physiological response to surgical stress by evaluating the invasiveness of surgery and inhibition of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Various textbooks and research articles recommend the stress-dose of glucocorticoids during perioperative periods. It has been commonly suggested that glucocorticoids should be administered in an amount equivalent to about 100 mg of cortisol for major surgery because it induces approximately 5 times the normal secretion. However, more studies, with appropriate power, regarding the administration of stress-dose glucocorticoids are still required, and evaluation of patients with possible adrenal insufficiency and appropriate glucocorticoid administration based on surgical stress will help improve the prognosis.

Adrenal function in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is not known to directly affect the adrenal gland, but commonly used CF therapies do impact the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, medications such as inhaled and oral corticosteroids can enhance the systemic effects of cortisol and result in iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. Prolonged use suppresses the body's ability to make cortisol, resulting in iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency upon medication discontinuation. Chronic use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids can negatively affect bone health, growth, and glucose metabolism. This chapter provides practical guidelines regarding the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency. As the guidelines are mainly derived from the asthma literature, this chapter also highlights the need for studies to evaluate the impact of CF therapies on adrenal function and other CF-endocrinopathies.

Steroid-Induced Iatrogenic Adrenal Insufficiency in Children: A Literature Review

The present review focuses on steroid-induced adrenal insufficiency (SIAI) in children and discusses the latest findings by surveying recent studies. SIAI is a condition involving adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol suppression due to high doses or prolonged administration of glucocorticoids. While its chronic symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of appetite, are nonspecific, exposure to physical stressors, such as infection and surgery, increases the risk of adrenal crisis development accompanied by hypoglycemia, hypotension, or shock. The low-dose ACTH stimulation test is generally used for diagnosis, and the early morning serum cortisol level has also been shown to be useful in screening for the condition. Medical management includes gradually reducing the amount of steroid treatment, continuing administration of hydrocortisone corresponding to the physiological range, and increasing the dosage when physical stressors are present.

Inhaled Corticosteroids and Endocrine Effects in Childhood

Asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of children, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are the most effective and commonly used treatment of persistent asthma. ICSs currently approved for and commonly used by children with asthma include beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, ciclesonide, and triamcinolone acetonide. This article reviews 4 areas critical to understanding potential adverse endocrine outcomes of ICSs and placing them in proper perspective: (1) influence of drug/delivery device properties on systemic steroid burden; (2) adrenal insufficiency during ICS treatment; (3) growth effects of ICS and asthma itself; and (4) bone mineral accretion during ICS therapy.

Fluticasone Particles Bind to Motile Respiratory Cilia: A Mechanism for Enhanced Lung and Systemic Exposure?

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are the main prophylactic treatment for asthma and are used in other diseases, including chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, yet the interaction of ICS particles with the ciliated epithelium remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the earliest interaction of aerosolized fluticasone propionate (FP) particles with human ciliated respiratory epithelium. Methods: A bespoke system was developed to allow aerosolized FP particles to be delivered to ciliated epithelial cultures by nebulization and from a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) through a spacer with interactions observed in real time using high-speed video microscopy. Interaction with nonrespiratory cilia was investigated using steroids on brain ependymal ciliary cultures. The dissolution rate of steroid particles was determined. Results: FP particles delivered by aerosol attached to the tips of rapidly beating cilia. Within 2 hours, 8.7% ± 1.8% (nebulization) and 12.1% ± 2.1% (pMDI through spacer) of ciliated cells had one or more particles attached to motile cilia. These levels decreased to 5.8% ± 1.6% (p = 0.59; nebulization) and 5.3% ± 2.2% (p = 0.14; pMDI through spacer) at 24 hours. Particle attachment did not affect ciliary beat frequency (p > 0.05) but significantly (p < 0.001) reduced ciliary beat amplitude. Steroid particles also attached to the tips of motile ependymal brain cilia and also reduced beat amplitude (24 hours: >2 particles bound p < 0.001). Dissolution of FP particles was slow with only 22.8% ± 1.3% of nebulized and 12.8% ± 0.5% of pMDI-delivered drug dissolving by 24 hours. Conclusions: FP particles adhere to the tips of rapidly moving cilia with significant numbers remaining bound at 24 hours, resisting the shear stress generated by ciliary beating. In vivo, this mechanism may predispose to high local drug concentrations and enhance respiratory and systemic corticosteroid exposure.

Pharmacodynamic studies of nasal tetracosactide with salivary glucocorticoids for a noninvasive Short Synacthen Test

CONTEXT

The Short Synacthen Test (SST) is the gold standard for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency. It requires invasive administration of Synacthen, venous sampling, and is resource-intensive.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a nasally administered SST, with salivary glucocorticoids measurement, to assess the adrenal response.

DESIGN

We conducted 5 studies: 4 open-label, sequence-randomized, crossover, pharmacodynamic studies testing 6 doses/formulations and a repeatability study. Additionally, pharmacokinetic analysis was undertaken using our chosen formulation, 500 µg tetracosactide with mucoadhesive chitosan, Nasacthin003, in our pediatric study.

SETTING

Adult and children's clinical research facilities.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 36 healthy adult males and 24 healthy children.

INTERVENTION

We administered all 6 nasal formulations using an European regulator endorsed atomization device. The IV comparators were 250 µg or 1 µg SST.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We analyzed paired blood and saliva samples for plasma cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone.

RESULTS

The addition of chitosan to tetracosactide and dose escalation increased peak cortisol response (P = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively). The bioavailability of Nasacthin003 was 14.3%. There was no significant difference in plasma cortisol at 60 minutes between 500 µg Nasacthin003 and 250 µg IV Synacthen (P = 0.17). The repeatability coefficient at 60 minutes was 105 nmol/L for IV Synacthen and salivary cortisol and cortisone was 10.3 and 21.1 nmol/L, respectively. The glucocorticoid response in children was indistinguishable from that of adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal administration of Nasacthin003 generates equivalent plasma cortisol values to the 250-µg IV SST and, with measurement at 60 minutes of salivary cortisol or cortisone, provides a noninvasive test for adrenal insufficiency.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of once-daily inhaled fluticasone furoate on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis of children with asthma

Background

To evaluate the effects of fluticasone furoate on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis, and the safety and tolerability of fluticasone furoate treatment in children with asthma.

Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, stratified, parallel-group, non-inferiority study of fluticasone furoate 50 µg inhalation powder administered once daily. The study enrolled children (aged 5–11 years inclusive) with a documented diagnosis of asthma for ≥ 6 months and a Childhood Asthma Control Test score of > 19. After a 7–14-day run-in period, eligible subjects were stratified by age and randomized to fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily or placebo once daily via ELLIPTA for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline (expressed as a ratio) in 0–24-h weighted mean serum cortisol at the end of the treatment period.

Results

Fifty-six randomized subjects received fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily and 55 received placebo. The primary analysis was performed in the serum cortisol population (n = 104) and demonstrated that fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily was non-inferior to placebo (ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.8096, 1.0620), as the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval for the geometric mean treatment ratio of fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily versus placebo was greater than 0.80. Findings from the intent-to-treat population (n = 111) were similar.

Conclusions

Six weeks of treatment with inhaled fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily had no clinically relevant effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis function of children, as measured by 24-h serum cortisol profiles. The primary analysis showed that fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily was non-inferior to placebo. Fluticasone furoate 50 µg once daily was well tolerated and no new safety concerns emerged during the study.

Trial registration

This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02483975). Date of submission: 25 June 2015.

Inhaled corticosteroid-phobia and childhood asthma: Current understanding and management implications

Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease in children. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is the first-line controller therapy for children with persistent asthma, however, suboptimal compliance to ICS therapy remains as a major obstacle in paediatric asthma management. Steroid-phobia, the fear of side-effects and subsequent aversion of ICS, has been widely reported in parents of asthmatic children. The reported prevalence of steroid-phobia varies widely from 19% to 67% in different populations. The concerns about ICS frequently raised by parents include growth suppression, weight gain, bone weakness, addiction and psychiatric disturbances. Outside of growth suppression, which is statistically significant yet mild in clinical studies, the other concerns are not evidence-based and are misconceptions. Conflicting results have been reported regarding the impact of steroid-phobia on ICS compliance. In contrast, steroid-phobia has consistent and negative effects on asthma control in children. While asthma educational programmes have demonstrable benefits in general paediatric populations, the generalisability of such programmes to steroid-phobic parents remains undetermined. There is a paucity of data on specific educational programmes to clear misconceptions and reduce steroid-phobia. Given the continually raising prevalence of paediatric asthma, high-quality studies are warranted to investigate the prevalence and impact of steroid-phobia, with an ultimate goal of developing effective strategies to tackle steroid-phobia and improve asthma care in children.

Hypoglycemia, Malnutrition and Body Composition

Hypoglycemia is one of the most significant factors to affect prognosis, and is detrimental to patients regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM) status. The classical paradigms dictate that hypoglycemia is a result of overtreatment with glucose lowering agents (iatrogenic hypoglycemia), or, as among patients without DM, this condition is attributed to disease severity. New information shows that hypoglycemia occurs among patients that have a tendency for it. Incident hypoglycemia is very prevalent in the hospital setting, occurring in 1:6 patients with DM and in 1:17 patients without DM (Leibovitz E, Khanimov I, Wainstein J, Boaz M; Diabetes Metab Syndr Clin Res Rev. 13:222-226, 2019).One of the major factors associated with incidence of hypoglycemia is the nutritional status on hospital admission and during the hospitalization. Assessment of nutritional status using questionnaires and biomarkers might be helpful in determining risk of hypoglycemia. Moreover, administration of oral nutritional supplements was shown to decrease this risk.It is also well known that a high burden of comorbidities is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia. For example, kidney disease, whether acute or chronic, was shown to increase the risk for hypoglycemia, as well as some endocrine disorders.In this review we elaborate on specific findings that are characteristic of patients at risk for developing hypoglycemia, as well as treatment aimed at preventing its occurrence.

Co-Occurrence of Exogenous and Endogenous Cushing’s Syndromes—Dilemma in Diagnosis

Approach to patients who manifest with features of Cushing's syndrome often begin with exclusion of exposure to excessive exogenous source of glucocorticoids (GC). Most guidelines advocate no further assessment if excessive exogenous GC use is present. We present a case of a 66-year-old lady who was noted to have typical features of Cushing's syndrome. As she gave a very clear history of ingesting exogenous GC for a year, no further work up was undertaken. Despite cessation of GC for a year, she continued to have thin skin and easy bruising. Upon admission for hypertensive emergency, her clinician took note of her changes and investigated her for endogenous Cushing's syndrome. Her cortisol post overnight dexamethasone suppression test was 707 nmol/l. Post low dose dexamethasone suppression test yielded a cortisol of 1133.2 nmol/l. 24 hours urine cortisol was 432.2 nmol/l. Plasma ACTH was 1.1 pmol/l, indicating an ACTH independent Cushing's syndrome. We proceeded with Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of adrenals which revealed a right adrenal adenoma measuring 4.4 × 3.4 × 4.0 cm. Right retroperiteneoscopic adrenalectomy was done. Histopathology examination was consistent with adrenal cortical adenoma with foci of myelolipoma. Post adrenalectomy she developed hypocortisolism secondary to contralateral adrenal suppression which lasted up to the present date. Her cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations improved substantially. Co-occurrence of endogenous and exogenous Cushing's syndromes is uncommon but should be considered in patients whose Cushingnoid features do not resolve after cessation of exogenous GC.

Challenges and choices in the pharmacological treatment of non-severe pediatric asthma: A commentary for the practicing physician

In recent years, asthma research has focused intensely on the severe part of the disease spectrum, leading to new treatments, mostly therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. However, severe asthma accounts for not more than 2% of asthma in the pediatric population. Therefore, non-severe asthma remains a major health problem in children, not only for patients and parents but also for healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, pediatricians and allergists who take care of these patients. It is thus essential to identify and put in context novel concepts, applicable to the treatment of these patients. Recent evidence suggests benefits from using anti-inflammatory treatment even for the mildest cases, for whom until now only symptomatic bronchodilation was recommended. Likewise, “reliever” medication may be better combined with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Among “new” treatments (for children), ICS formulation in ultrafine particles has showed promise and tiotropium is gaining access to the pediatric population. Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) is an option for moderate disease. Most importantly, personalized response to medications appears to be considerable, therefore, it may need to be taken into account. Overall, these new options provide opportunities for multiple new management strategies. The deployment of such strategies in different populations remains to be evaluated.

Inhaled corticosteroids for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

The reduction of lung inflammation is one of the goals of cystic fibrosis therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used in this respect to treat children and adults with cystic fibrosis. The rationale for this is their potential to reduce lung damage arising from inflammation, as well as their effect on symptomatic wheezing. It is important to establish the current level of evidence for the risks and benefits of inhaled corticosteroids, especially in the light of their known adverse effects on growth. This is an update of a previously published review; however, due to the lack of research in this area, we do not envisage undertaking any further updates.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of taking regular inhaled corticosteroids compared to not taking them in children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We requested information from pharmaceutical companies manufacturing inhaled corticosteroids and authors of identified trials.Date of most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: 19 November 2018.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised trials, published and unpublished, comparing inhaled corticosteroids to placebo or standard treatment in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent authors assessed methodological quality and risk of bias in trials using established criteria and extracted data using standard pro formas. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

The searches identified 35 citations, of which 27 (representing 13 trials) were eligible for inclusion. These 13 trials reported the use of inhaled corticosteroids in 525 people with cystic fibrosis aged between 6 and 55 years. One was a withdrawal trial in 171 individuals who were already taking inhaled corticosteroids. Methodological quality and risk of bias were difficult to assess from published information.Objective measures of airway function were reported in most trials but were often incomplete and reported at different time points. We found no difference in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted in any of the trials, although the quality of the evidence was low due to risks of bias within the included trials and low participant numbers. We are uncertain whether inhaled corticosteroids result in an improvement in exercise tolerance, bronchial hyperreactivity or exacerbations as the quality of the evidence was very low. Data from one trial suggested that inhaled corticosteroids may make little or no difference to quality of life (low-quality evidence).Three trials reported adverse effects, but the quality of the evidence is low and so we are uncertain whether inhaled corticosteroids increase the risk of adverse effects. However, one study did show that growth was adversely affected by high doses of inhaled corticosteroids.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from these trials is of low to very low quality and insufficient to establish whether inhaled corticosteroids are beneficial in cystic fibrosis, but withdrawal in those already taking them has been shown to be safe. There is some evidence they may cause harm in terms of growth. It has not been established whether long-term use is beneficial in reducing lung inflammation, which should improve survival, but it is unlikely this will be proven conclusively in a randomised controlled trial.

Screening practices for paediatric asymptomatic adrenal suppression in Canada: Are we addressing this important risk?

Background

Children with adrenal suppression (AS), a potential side effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) may be asymptomatic, present with nonspecific signs and symptoms or with adrenal crisis. Asymptomatic AS (AAS) can only be diagnosed through screening. Identifying and treating asymptomatic patients before symptoms develop may reduce morbidity. Screening guidelines for AS are lacking. Consequently, screening practices are highly variable.

Objective

To assess (1) the screening practices for and recognition of paediatric AAS among clinicians in Canada and (2) the educational impact of a 2-year surveillance program of symptomatic AS cases.

Methods

Before and after a 2-year Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) study of symptomatic AS, participants were surveyed through the CPSP. The prestudy survey was sent to 2,548 participants in March 2010 and the poststudy survey was sent to 2,465 participants in April 2013.

Results

Response rates were 32% for the prestudy survey and 21% for the poststudy survey. Between the pre- and poststudy surveys, the percentage of physicians who reported routinely screening patients on GCs for AS increased from 10% to 21% and the percentage who reported having a screening policy in their office/centre increased from 6% to 11%. There was no significant change in the percentage of physicians who had diagnosed a child/youth with AAS in the preceding year.

Conclusion

Frequency of screening for AAS increased following the 2-year study but remains low. Development of a clinical practice guideline should increase both awareness of asymptomatic AS among Canadian paediatricians and the identification of AAS, before symptoms develop.

Emergency management of adrenal insufficiency in children: advocating for treatment options in outpatient and field settings

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children with 1 in 200 episodes of adrenal crisis resulting in death. The goal of this working group of the Pediatric Endocrine Society Drug and Therapeutics Committee was to raise awareness on the importance of early recognition of AI, to advocate for the availability of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HSS) on emergency medical service (EMS) ambulances or allow EMS personnel to administer patient's HSS home supply to avoid delay in administration of life-saving stress dosing, and to provide guidance on the emergency management of children in adrenal crisis. Currently, hydrocortisone, or an equivalent synthetic glucocorticoid, is not available on most ambulances for emergency stress dose administration by EMS personnel to a child in adrenal crisis. At the same time, many States have regulations preventing the use of patient's home HSS supply to be used to treat acute adrenal crisis. In children with known AI, parents and care providers must be made familiar with the administration of maintenance and stress dose glucocorticoid therapy to prevent adrenal crises. Patients with known AI and their families should be provided an Adrenal Insufficiency Action Plan, including stress hydrocortisone dose (both oral and intramuscular/intravenous) to be provided immediately to EMS providers and triage personnel in urgent care and emergency departments. Advocacy efforts to increase the availability of stress dose HSS during EMS transport care and add HSS to weight-based dosing tapes are highly encouraged.

Adrenal suppression from glucocorticoids: preventing an iatrogenic cause of morbidity and mortality in children

Adrenal suppression (AS) is an important side effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). AS can often be asymptomatic or associated with non-specific symptoms until a physiological stress such as an illness precipitates an adrenal crisis. Morbidity and death associated with adrenal crisis is preventable but continues to be reported in children. There is a lack of consensus about the management of children at risk of AS. However, healthcare professionals need to develop an awareness and approach to keep these children safe. In this article, current knowledge of the risk factors, diagnosis and management of AS are reviewed while drawing attention to knowledge gaps and areas of controversy. Possible strategies to reduce the morbidity associated with this iatrogenic condition are provided for healthcare professionals.

Adrenal crisis: prevention and management in adult patients

Adrenal crisis is an acute life-threatening emergency contributing to the excess mortality that is reported in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The incidence of adrenal crisis is estimated to be 8 per 100 patient years in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Patients with adrenal crisis present systemically unwell with nonspecific signs and symptoms often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. An adrenal crisis may be the first presentation of adrenal insufficiency or can occur in patients who have been established on glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Infections are the major precipitating factor, but other causes include physical stress such as a surgical procedure or trauma, forgetting or discontinuing glucocorticoid therapy, pronounced physical activity, and psychological stress. The emergency treatment involves prompt recognition and administration of parenteral hydrocortisone, rehydration and management of electrolyte abnormalities. Prevention is centred around patient education. All patients should be educated on stress dosing and parenteral glucocorticoid administration. They should carry a steroid dependency alert card and wear a medical alert bracelet or similar identification. Despite many improvements in the management of patients with adrenal insufficiency, adrenal crisis continues to occur and represents a major source of morbidity, mortality and distress for patients. Improved patient and clinician education and measures to facilitate parenteral hydrocortisone self-administration in impending crisis are central to the management of this life-threatening event.

Office-Based Sedation/General Anesthesia for COPD Patients, Part II

The safe treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in dental office office-based settings can be quite complex without a current understanding of the etiology, course, severity, and current treatment modalities of the disease. The additional concerns of providing sedation and/or general anesthesia to patients with COPD in settings outside of a hospital demand thorough investigation of individual patient presentation and realistic development of planned treatment that patients suffering from this respiratory condition can tolerate. Along with other co-morbidities, such as advanced age and potential significant cardiovascular compromise, the dental practitioner providing sedation or general anesthesia must tailor any treatment plan to address multiple organ systems and mitigate risks of precipitating acute respiratory failure from inadequate pain and/or anxiety control. Part I of this article covered the epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiology of COPD. Patient considerations in the preoperative period were also reviewed. Part II will cover which patients are acceptable for sedation/general anesthesia in the dental office-based setting as well as sedation/general anesthesia techniques that may be considered. Postoperative care will also be reviewed.

Adrenal Crises in Children: Perspectives and Research Directions

Adrenal crises (AC) are life-threatening physiological disturbances that occur at a rate of 5-10/100 patient years in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). Despite their seriousness, there is a paucity of information on the epidemiology of AC events in the paediatric population specifically, as most investigations have focused on AI and ACs in adults. Improved surveillance of AC-related morbidity and mortality should improve the delineation of AC risk overall and among different subgroups of paediatric patients with AI. Valid incidence measures are essential for this purpose and also for the evaluation of interventions aimed at reducing adverse health outcomes from ACs. However, the absence of an agreed AC definition limits the potential benefit of research and surveillance in this area. While approaches to the treatment and prevention of ACs have much in common across the lifespan, there are important differences between children and adults with regards to the physiological, psychological, and social milieu in which these events occur. Education is considered to be an essential element of AC prevention but studies have shown that ACs occur even among well-educated patients, suggesting that new strategies may be needed. In this review, we examine the current knowledge regarding AC events in children with AI; assess the existing definitions of an AC and offer a new definition for use in research and the clinic; and suggest areas for further investigation that are aimed at reducing the incidence and health impact of ACs in the paediatric age group.

Assessment of hair cortisol as a potential biomarker for possible adrenal suppression due to inhaled corticosteroid use in children with asthma: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the recommended long-term control therapy for asthma in children. However, concern exists regarding potential adrenal suppression with chronic ICS use. Our pilot study reported that hair cortisol in children was 50% lower during ICS therapy than prior to therapy, suggestive of adrenal suppression.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a potential biomarker for possible adrenal suppression from ICS use in children with asthma.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed at asthma clinics in Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Toronto, Canada. Children (n = 586) were recruited from July 2012 to December 2014 inclusive of those without asthma, with asthma not using ICS, and with asthma using ICS. The most recent three-month HCC was measured by enzyme immunoassay and compared among the groups. Quantile regression analysis was performed to identify factors potentially affecting HCC.

RESULTS

The median HCC was not significantly different among the children: No ICS (n = 47, 6.7 ng/g, interquartile range (IQR) 3.7-9.8 ng/g), ICS Treated (n = 360, 6.5 ng/g, IQR 3.8-14.3 ng/g), and Controls (n = 53, 5.8 ng/g, IQR 4.6-16.7 ng/g). 5.6% of the children using ICS had hair cortisol <2.0 ng/g compared to none in the control groups (P < .05, comparing ICS Treated (20/360) to all Controls combined (0/100)) and only half had been exposed to systemic corticosteroids. Age, sex, BMI, and intranasal corticosteroid use were significantly associated with HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest HCC may be a potential biomarker for adrenal suppression as a population of children using ICS with HCC < 2.0 ng/g was identified compared to none in the control groups. Further research is needed to determine if those children have or are at risk of adrenal suppression or insufficiency.

Oral corticosteroids for asthma exacerbations might be associated with adrenal suppression: Are physicians aware of that?

INTRODUCTION

Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are a mainstay of treatment for asthma exacerbations, and short-term OCS courses were generally considered to be safe. Nevertheless, frequent short-term OCS courses could lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Our study aimed at investigating the integrity of the HPA axis in children with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing at the beginning of an inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) trial.

METHOD

Morning basal cortisol was assessed just before the beginning of ICS, and 30, 60, and 90 days later, using Immulite® Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostic chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (Los Angeles, USA; 2006).

RESULTS

In all, 140 children (0.3-15 years old) with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing have been evaluated and 40% of them reported short-term OCS courses for up to 30 days before evaluation. Out of these, 12.5% had biochemical adrenal suppression but showed adrenal recovery during a three-month ICS trial treatment. No significant differences were observed among children with or without adrenal suppression, neither in the number of days free of OCS treatment before cortisol evaluation (p=0.29) nor in the last OCS course duration (p=0.20). The number of short-term OCS courses reported in the year preceding the cortisol evaluation was also not different (p=0.89).

CONCLUSION

Short-term systemic courses of corticosteroids at conventional doses can put children at risk of HPA axis dysfunction. ICS treatment does not impair adrenal recovery from occurring. Health practitioners should be aware of the risk of a blunted cortisol response upon exposure to stress during the follow-up of patients with persistent asthma or recurrent wheezing.

Long-Term Cortisol Concentration in Scalp Hair of Asthmatic Children Using Inhaled Corticosteroids: A Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and may lead to adrenal insufficiency, resulting in a decrease of cortisol production. Cortisol levels measured in scalp hair provide a marker for long-term cortisol exposure. Data regarding hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in asthmatic children with ICS therapy are scarce. The aim of this study is to compare HCC in asthmatic children under ICS treatment with a healthy control group.

METHODS

We set up a case-control study measuring the cortisol concentration in scalp hair in asthmatic children (N = 80) treated with ICS and healthy controls (N = 252) aged 4-18 years. Anthropometric characteristics and hair samples from the posterior vertex were obtained. At least 5 mg of the most proximal 3 cm of hair was used for each hair sample. HCC was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

HCC did not significantly differ between asthmatic children using ICS and healthy controls (p = 0.950) after adjustment for age, gender, height, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. No correlation was found between budesonide dosage and HCC levels (r = -0.031, p = 0.78).

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence of suppression of basal cortisol production, as measured in scalp hair, in asthmatic children using ICS, compared to healthy controls. No conclusions can be drawn on the HPA-axis stress response in these children.

Symptomatic adrenal suppression among children in Canada

BACKGROUND

Adrenal suppression (AS) is an under-recognised side effect of glucocorticoid (GC) use. AS may go undetected until a physiological stress precipitates an adrenal crisis. The incidence of AS has not been established. We sought to estimate the minimum national incidence and presenting features of paediatric symptomatic AS.

METHODS

Through the established methodology of the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program, over 2500 paediatricians were surveyed monthly for 2 years (April 2010-March 2012) to report new cases of symptomatic AS.

RESULTS

Forty-six cases of symptomatic AS were confirmed. The estimated annual incidence is 0.35/100 000 children aged 0-18 years (95% CI 0.26 to 0.47). The most common presentations were growth failure (35%), non-specific symptoms (28%) or both (13%). Adrenal crisis occurred in six cases (13%). Thirty-seven children (80%) had received inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) alone or in combination with other GC forms. Many children received high but commonly prescribed doses of ICS.

CONCLUSIONS

AS is responsible for significant morbidity in children, including susceptibility to adrenal crisis. The minimal estimated incidence reported is for the entire paediatric population and would be much higher in the at-risk group (ie, children treated with GCs). Close monitoring of growth and possible symptoms of AS, which may be non-specific, are important in children on all forms of GC therapy including ICS. To reduce the risk of AS, physicians must be aware of the risk of AS, revisit GC doses frequently and use the lowest effective dose.

Adrenal insufficiency associated with long-term use of inhaled steroid in asthma

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that as many as one third of hospitalized patients with asthma treated with a low to medium daily dose of inhaled steroids (ICSs) for an average of 4.5 years showed adrenal insufficiency (AI).

OBJECTIVE

To re-examine this issue in consecutive outpatients with asthma because of possible subject selection bias.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-one consecutive adult patients with asthma under ICS treatment for at least 6 months underwent a rapid adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test. AI was defined as a morning serum cortisol level no higher than 3 μg/dL or lower than 18 μg/dL before and after administration of 250 μg of adrenocorticotrophic hormone.

RESULTS

The mean durations of ICS use in the short-term (less than the median) and long-term (at least the median) users were 3.8 and 11.5 years, respectively. The proportion of subjects affected by AI tended to increase with the increasing cumulative dose of ICS (short-term users at a low to medium daily dose: mean cumulative dose 502 mg [15 of 34, 44.1%]; short-term users at a high dose of 941 mg [16 of 26, 61.5%]; long-term users at a low to medium dose of 1,077 mg [25 of 41, 61.0%]; long-term users at a high dose of 2,805 mg [13 of 20, 65.0%]), although not significantly. In short-term users, daily and cumulative ICS doses were significantly related to serum cortisol levels 60 minutes after taking adrenocorticotrophic hormone (r = -0.300 and -0.287, respectively; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

A large number of patients with asthma might have AI even with low- to medium-dose ICS treatment when ICSs are administered over a long period. Thus, it is essential that patients with asthma under ICS treatment be checked for AI much more frequently.

Diagnosis and treatment of adrenal insufficiency including adrenal crisis: a Japan Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline [Opinion]

This clinical practice guideline of the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal insufficiency (AI) including adrenal crisis was produced on behalf of the Japan Endocrine Society. This evidence-based guideline was developed by a committee including all authors, and was reviewed by a subcommittee of the Japan Endocrine Society. The Japanese version has already been published, and the essential points have been summarized in this English language version. We recommend diagnostic tests, including measurement of basal cortisol and ACTH levels in combination with a rapid ACTH (250 μg corticotropin) test, the CRH test, and for particular situations the insulin tolerance test. Cut-off values in basal and peak cortisol levels after the rapid ACTH or CRH tests are proposed based on the assumption that a peak cortisol level ≥18 μg/dL in the insulin tolerance test indicates normal adrenal function. In adult AI patients, 15-25 mg hydrocortisone (HC) in 2-3 daily doses, depending on adrenal reserve and body weight, is a basic replacement regime for AI. In special situations such as sickness, operations, pregnancy and drug interactions, cautious HC dosing or the correct choice of glucocorticoids is necessary. From long-term treatment, optimal diurnal rhythm and concentration of serum cortisol are important for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. In maintenance therapy during the growth period of patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, proper doses of HC should be used, and long-acting glucocorticoids should not be used. Education and carrying an emergency card are essential for the prevention and rapid treatment of adrenal crisis.

Inhaled corticosteroids for cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Reduction of lung inflammation is one of the goals of cystic fibrosis therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids are often used to treat children and adults with cystic fibrosis. The rationale for this is their potential to reduce lung damage arising from inflammation, as well as their effect on symptomatic wheezing. It is important to establish the current level of evidence for the risks and benefits of inhaled corticosteroids, especially in the light of their known adverse effects on growth. This is an update of a previously published review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of taking regular inhaled corticosteroids, compared to not taking them, in children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register, comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We requested information from pharmaceutical companies manufacturing inhaled corticosteroids and authors of identified trials.Date of most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: 15 August 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised trials, published and unpublished, comparing inhaled corticosteroids to placebo or standard treatment in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent authors assessed methodological quality and risk of bias in trials using established criteria and extracted data using standard pro formas.

MAIN RESULTS

The searches identified 34 citations, of which 26 (representing 13 trials) were eligible for inclusion. These 13 trials reported the use of inhaled corticosteroids in 506 people with cystic fibrosis aged between six and 55 years. One was a withdrawal trial in individuals who were already taking inhaled corticosteroids. Methodological quality and risk of bias were difficult to assess from published information. Many of the risk of bias judgements were unclear due to a lack of available information. Only two trials specified how participants were randomised and less than half of the included trials gave details on how allocation was concealed. Trials were generally judged to have a low risk of bias from blinding, except for two which were open label or did not use a placebo. There were some concerns that a number of trials had not been published in peer-reviewed journals, but the risk of bias from this was unclear. Inclusion criteria varied between trials, as did type and duration of treatment and timing of outcome assessments. Objective measures of airway function were reported in most trials but were often incomplete. Significant benefit has not been conclusively demonstrated. Four trials systematically documented adverse effects and growth was significantly affected in one study using high doses.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from these trials is insufficient to establish whether inhaled corticosteroids are beneficial in cystic fibrosis, but withdrawal in those already taking them has been shown to be safe. There is some evidence they may cause harm in terms of growth. It has not been established whether long-term use is beneficial in reducing lung inflammation, which should improve survival, but it is unlikely this will be proven conclusively in a randomised controlled trial.