Adrenal insufficiency: still a cause of morbidity and death in childhood

Adrenal insufficiency in pediatric kidney transplantation recipients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression of pediatric kidney transplant (PKT) recipients often includes corticosteroids. Prolonged corticosteroid exposure has been associated with secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI); however, little is known about its impact on PKT recipients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort review of PKT recipients to evaluate AI prevalence, risk factors, and adverse effects. AI risk was assessed using morning cortisol (MC) and diagnosis confirmed by an ACTH stimulation test. Potential risk factors and adverse effects were tested for associations with MC levels and AI diagnosis.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (60.8% male, age 7.4 (IQR 3.8, 13.1) years; 1 patient counted twice for repeat transplant) were included. Patients at risk for AI (MC < 240 nmol/L) underwent definitive ACTH stimulation testing, confirming AI in 13/51 (25.5%) patients. Identified risk factors for AI included current prednisone dosage (p = .001), 6-month prednisone exposure (p = .02), daily prednisone administration (p = .002), and rejection episodes since transplant (p = .001). MC level (2.5 years (IQR 1.1, 5.1) post-transplant) was associated with current prednisone dosage (p < .001), 6-month prednisone exposure (p = .001), daily prednisone administration (p = .006), rejection episodes since transplant (p = .003), greater number of medications (β = -16.3, p < .001), 6-month hospitalization days (β = -3.3, p = .013), creatinine variability (β = -2.4, p = .025), and occurrence of acute kidney injury (β = -70.6, p = .01).

CONCLUSION

Greater corticosteroid exposure was associated with a lower MC level and confirmatory diagnosis of AI noted with an ACTH stimulation test. Adverse clinical findings with AI included greater medical complexity and kidney function lability. These data support systematic clinical surveillance for AI in PKT recipients treated with corticosteroids.

Position statement on infection screening, prophylaxis, and vaccination of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases and immunosuppressive therapies, part 3: precautions in situations of surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections

The objective of this study is to provide practical recommendations on the management of pediatric patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapies. The recommendations specifically address the cases of surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections (varicella, herpes-zoster, tuberculosis, invasive fungal disease). A qualitative approach was applied. A narrative literature review was performed via Medline. Primary searches were conducted using MeSH terms and free text to identify publications on infections and vaccinations in pediatric patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapies. The results were presented and discussed in a nominal group meeting, comprising a committee of 12 pediatric rheumatologists from the Infection Prevention and Treatment Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Rheumatology. Several recommendations were generated. A consensus procedure was implemented via a Delphi process; this was extended to members of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Rheumatology and Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics. Participants produced a score ranging from 0 (totally disagree) to 10 (totally agree). Agreement was defined as a vote ≥ 7 by at least 70% of participants. The literature review included more than 400 articles. Overall, 63 recommendations (19 on surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections) were generated and voted by 59 pediatric rheumatologists and other pediatric specialists. Agreement was reached for all 63 recommendations. The recommendations on special situations cover management in cases of surgery, fever, and opportunistic infections (varicella, herpes-zoster, tuberculosis, and invasive fungal disease).  Conclusions: Hereby, we provided consensus and updated of recommendations about the management of special situations such as surgery, fever, and opportunistic in children with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Several of the recommendations depend largely on clinical judgement and specific balance between risk and benefit for each individual and situation. To assess this risk, the clinician should have knowledge of the drugs, the patient's previous situation as well as the current infectious disease, in addition to experience. What is Known: • Infectious diseases and related complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic diseases. • Information on how to manage the treatment in situations of fever, opportunistic infections, and surgery in children is limited, and guidelines for action are often extrapolated from adults. What is New: • In the absence of strong evidence, a literature review and a Delphi survey were conducted to establish a series of expert recommendations that could support the clinical practice, providing a practical and simple day-to-day approach to be used by pediatric rheumatologists.

SNARE-ing the Reason for Post-Cardiac Surgery Critical Illness-Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency

Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) can cause hemodynamic instability in neonates after congenital heart surgery with manifestations that increase morbidity and potential mortality. We retrospectively reviewed neonates who underwent cardiac surgery between August 2018 and July 2020 at a freestanding children's hospital, had next-generation sequencing performed, and had their cortisol levels drawn as standard clinical care after cardiac surgery. The groups were defined as CIRCI (with a cortisol level ≤ 4.5 mcg/dL) and non-CIRCI (level > 4.5 mcg/dL). The CIRCI group (n = 8) had a 100% incidence of heterozygous gene mutation on STX1A with splicing or loss of function, and this mutation was not found in the non-CIRCI group (n = 8). Additional gene mutations were found in the CIRCI group on RAB6A, ABCA3, SIDT2, and LILRB3, with no incidence in the non-CIRCI group. Three additional mutations were found across the CIRCI group in INPPL1 and FAM189A2 (both splicing and missense), with 12-25% of patients in the non-CIRCI group also displaying these mutations. Novel genetic abnormalities were seen in neonates with symptoms of CIRCI with potential cardiac implications from a gene mutation for STX1A. Compounding effects of additional gene mutations need to be confirmed and explored for potential predisposition to hemodynamic instability during times of stress.

Emergency and perioperative management of adrenal insufficiency in children and young people: British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes consensus guidance

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is characterised by lack of cortisol production from the adrenal glands. This can be a primary adrenal disorder or secondary to adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency or suppression from exogenous glucocorticoids. Symptoms of AI in children may initially be non-specific and include growth faltering, lethargy, poor feeding, weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting and lingering illnesses. AI is treated with replacement doses of hydrocortisone. At times of physiological stress such as illness, trauma or surgery, there is an increased requirement for exogenous glucocorticoids, which if untreated can lead to an adrenal crisis and death. There are no unified guidelines for those <18 years old in the UK, leading to substantial variation in the management of AI. This paper sets out guidance for intercurrent illness, medical, dental and surgical procedures to allow timely and appropriate recognition and treatment of AI and adrenal crisis for children and young people.

Single- versus Divided-Dose Prednisolone for the First Episode of Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: An Open-Label RCT

BACKGROUND

Early morning single-dose prednisolone has a hypothetical advantage of less hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, but lack of robust evidence has resulted in variation in practice, with divided-dose prednisolone still commonly used. We conducted this open-label randomized control trial to compare HPA axis suppression between single-dose or divided-dose prednisolone among children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome.

METHODS

Sixty children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome were randomized (1:1) to receive prednisolone (2 mg/kg per day), either as single or two divided doses for 6 weeks, followed by single alternative daily dose of 1.5 mg/kg for 6 weeks. The Short Synacthen Test was conducted at 6 weeks, with HPA suppression defined as postadrenocorticotropic hormone cortisol <18 µ mg/dl.

RESULTS

Four children (single=1 and divided dose=3) did not attend the Short Synacthen Test and were hence excluded from analysis. Remission was induced in all, and no relapse postremission was noted during the 6+6 weeks of steroid therapy. After 6 weeks of daily steroids, HPA suppression was greater in divided (100%) versus single dose (83%) ( P = 0.02). Time to remission and final relapse rates were similar, but for those children who relapsed within 6 months of follow-up period, time to first relapse was shorter for divided dose (median 28 versus 131 days) P = 0.002.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children with first episode of nephrotic syndrome, single-dose and/or divided-dose prednisolone were equally effective in inducing remission with similar relapse rates, but single dose had less HPA suppression and longer time to first relapse.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2021/11/037940.

PODCAST

This article contains a podcast at https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2023_10_09_CJN0000000000000216.mp3.

Hypoglycemia in Children: Major Endocrine-Metabolic Causes and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives

Hypoglycemia is due to defects in the metabolic systems involved in the transition from the fed to the fasting state or in the hormone control of these systems. In children, hypoglycemia is considered a metabolic-endocrine emergency, because it may lead to brain injury, permanent neurological sequelae and, in rare cases, death. Symptoms are nonspecific, particularly in infants and young children. Diagnosis is based on laboratory investigations during a hypoglycemic event, but it may also require biochemical tests between episodes, dynamic endocrine tests and molecular genetics. This narrative review presents the age-related definitions of hypoglycemia, its pathophysiology and main causes, and discusses the current diagnostic and modern therapeutic approaches.

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency Masked by an Eating Disorder Diagnosis in an Adolescent Male

We describe a 14-year-old male who was followed for several years for the diagnoses of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and generalized anxiety disorder before being diagnosed with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) or Addison disease. The patient presented multiple times to different facilities with worsening symptoms of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in the months leading up to diagnosis of PAI. Dehydration and hypotension, occurring relatively late in the course of his illness, were attributed to poor intake and vomiting. Hyponatremia was attributed to his psychotropic medication, olanzapine, and to dehydration. During his third hospitalization, he was diagnosed with PAI; treatment with stress-dose glucocorticoid therapy resulted in rapid clinical improvement. This case serves as a reminder that adrenal insufficiency must be considered in the differential diagnosis of eating disorders because signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency can overlap and progress insidiously. Additionally, we recognize that the diagnostic process is intertwined with a patient's medical history and use this opportunity to discuss cognitive, specifically anchoring, bias in academic medicine.

Management of Neonatal Isolated and Combined Growth Hormone Deficiency: Current Status

Congenital growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare disease caused by disorders affecting the morphogenesis and function of the pituitary gland. It is sometimes found in isolation but is more frequently associated with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. In some cases, GHD may have a genetic basis. The many clinical signs and symptoms include hypoglycaemia, neonatal cholestasis and micropenis. Diagnosis should be made by laboratory analyses of the growth hormone and other pituitary hormones, rather than by cranial imaging with magnetic resonance imaging. When diagnosis is confirmed, hormone replacement should be initiated. Early GH replacement therapy leads to more positive outcomes, including reduced hypoglycaemia, growth recovery, metabolic asset, and neurodevelopmental improvements.

Adrenal insufficiency management in the pediatric emergency setting and risk factors for adrenal crisis development

BACKGROUND

In patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI), adrenal crisis (AC) represents a clinical emergency. Early recognition and prompt management of AC or AC-risk conditions in the Emergency Department (ED) can reduce critical episodes and AC-related outcomes. The aim of the study is to report the clinical and biochemical characteristics of AC presentation to improve their timely recognition and proper management in a ED setting.

METHODS

Single-centre, retrospective, observational study on pediatric patients followed at the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology of Regina Margherita Children's Hospital of Turin for primary AI (PAI) and central AI (CAI).

RESULTS

Among the 89 children followed for AI (44 PAI, 45 CAI), 35 patients (21 PAI, 14 CAI) referred to the PED, for a total of 77 accesses (44 in patients with PAI and 33 with CAI). The main causes of admission to the PED were gastroenteritis (59.7%), fever, hyporexia or asthenia (45.5%), neurological signs and respiratory disorders (33.8%). The mean sodium value at PED admission was 137.2 ± 1.23 mmol/l and 133.3 ± 1.46 mmol/l in PAI and CAI, respectively (p = 0.05). Steroids administration in PED was faster in patients with CAI than in those with PAI (2.75 ± 0.61 and 3.09 ± 1.47 h from PED access, p = 0.83). Significant factors related to the development of AC were signs of dehydration at admission (p = 0.027) and lack of intake or increase of usual steroid therapy at home (p = 0.059). Endocrinological consulting was requested in 69.2% of patients with AC and 48.4% of subjects without AC (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

children with AI may refer to the PED with an acute life-threatening condition that needs prompt recognition and management. These preliminary data indicate how critical the education of children and families with AI is to improve the management at home, and how fundamental the collaboration of the pediatric endocrinologist with all PED personnel is in raising awareness of early symptoms and signs of AC to anticipate the proper treatment and prevent or reduce the correlated serious events.

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.

Current Screening Strategies for the Diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency in Children

Adrenal insufficiency can arise from a primary adrenal disorder, secondary to adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency, or by suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis due to exogenous glucocorticoids. Diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency is usually delayed because the initial presentation is often subtle and nonspecific. Clinician awareness and recognition is crucial for timely diagnosis to avoid adrenal crisis. Current screening strategies for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency in children in various clinical situations are discussed in this review.

Comparison of glucagon stimulation test and low dose ACTH test in assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in children

INTRODUCTION

Children with a pituitary hormone deficiency are at risk for secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI). A stimulation test is usually performed for diagnosing AI, evaluating both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and growth hormone (GH)-IGF-1 axes. This single test is preferred by clinicians and is considerably more tolerable by patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the glucagon stimulation test (GST), which is commonly used to assess both axes. Its diagnostic capability for GH deficiency is high and well accepted, however its utility for determining secondary AI has not been well established.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 120 patients under 18 years of age with short stature who had undergone both a GST and low dose ACTH stimulation test (LDACTH test). Twenty-six children who had more than 6 months elapsed between the two tests were excluded from the study. The study was conducted on patients of the Pediatric Endocrinology Department at Soroka University Hospital, a tertiary medical centre in Beer Sheva, Israel. Statistical analyses were carried out via IBM SPSS (v. 22), with a significance level determined at p < .05.

RESULTS

Different cortisol cut-off values were assessed for GST and it was determined that the highest combined sensitivity and specificity yielded a cut-off point of 320 nmol/L (56% sensitivity and 83% specificity) while the currently accepted cut-off value (500 nmol/L) yielded 100% sensitivity and 6% specificity.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show that GST is not an optimal tool for diagnosing secondary AI. Therefore, clinicians using this test should interpret its results with caution.

Cortisol response in children with cancer and fever during chemotherapy: A prospective, observational study using random serum cortisol levels

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoids are crucial components of the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. High doses can lead to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and be causative for an impaired stress response during infection. This study aims to evaluate the cortisol response in pediatric oncologic patients during febrile episodes.

METHODS

Totally, 75 children and adolescents (5 months-18 years) with fever during chemotherapy were consecutively enrolled in this study. In total, 47 patients received glucocorticoids as part of their treatment. Random serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were analyzed in every patient. A low cortisol response (LCR) was defined as a cortisol level < 14.6 μg/dL.

RESULTS

In total, 52 (69%) patients had a cortisol level < 14.6 μg/dL during fever. There was no significant difference between patients who received glucocorticoids and those who did not. Significantly lower cortisol levels were measured ≤7 days after last glucocorticoid intake compared to later time points. Nearly all patients treated with dexamethasone or prophylactic posaconazole demonstrated a LCR under stress (fever).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of an impaired HPA axis in pediatric cancer patients might be underestimated since 69% of the children in our study had a LCR during fever. Intake of dexamethasone, posaconazole and a time period of ≤7 days from the last glucocorticoid intake were additional risk factors for an LCR. However, we could not confirm that patients with a LCR fared worse than patients with a high cortisol response (HCR). Therefore, a different cortisol threshold may be necessary for defining an impaired HPA axis in febrile oncologic patients without concomitant symptoms of AI.

The search for a unifying diagnosis involving neurological, endocrine and immune dysfunction: a case report of a novel presentation of DAVID syndrome

BACKGROUND

We report a novel presentation of deficit in anterior pituitary function with variable immune deficiency (DAVID) syndrome in a healthy young girl presenting in Addisonian crisis with raised intracranial pressure. Nearly all cases of DAVID syndrome described in the literature have presented with recurrent infections and variable immunodeficiency. Pseudotumour cerebri has not been reported in DAVID syndrome to date.

CASE PRESENTATION

A four-year-old girl represented to hospital with vomiting, confusion and diplopia after ten days of tiredness, neck and abdominal pain, and headache. Her cranial nerve examination demonstrated a right abducens nerve palsy and papilloedema, and she was found to have ketotic hypoglycaemia and hypocortisolaemia secondary to adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. Her neuroimaging was consistent with pseudotumour cerebri, and her lumbar puncture opening pressure confirmed raised intracranial pressure (30-40 cmH₂O). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. The patient's symptoms improved with hydrocortisone replacement and acetazolamide, but the raised intracranial pressure recurred after acetazolamide was discontinued. She was subsequently found to have panhypogammaglobulinaemia, and DAVID syndrome was diagnosed. Genetic testing demonstrated a truncating mutation in the NFKB2 gene c.2557C > T, p.(Arg853*).

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates pseudotumour cerebri as a novel neurological presentation of DAVID syndrome, highlights the rare association between adrenal insufficiency and intracranial hypertension, and shows the challenges in diagnosing isolated ACTH deficiency. We emphasise that cortisol should be checked in pre-pubertal children with pseudotumour cerebri and a diagnosis of DAVID syndrome considered in those presenting with low cortisol and neurological symptoms.

Autoimmune Primary Adrenal Insufficiency in Children

Objective

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare condition in children, and is potentially life-threatening. The most common cause is congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and autoimmune etiology is the most frequent acquired cause in this age group. Symptoms are usually non-specific and, when suspected, investigation should include adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and morning serum cortisol measurement and, in some cases, a cosyntropin test to confirm the diagnosis. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent an adverse outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical and laboratory data from adrenal insufficiency due to autoimmune adrenalitis, observed from 2015 to 2020 in a pediatric endocrinology department of a tertiary care hospital.

Results

Eight patients were identified, seven males and one female, with age at diagnosis between 14 and 17 years. The symptoms at presentation ranged from non-specific symptoms, such as chronic fatigue and weight loss, to a severe presentation, with altered mental status and seizures. The median duration of symptoms was 4.5 months. The diagnosis was confirmed by serum cortisol and plasma ACTH measurement and all were confirmed to have autoimmune etiology (positive anti-adrenal antibodies). At diagnosis, the most common laboratory abnormality was hyponatremia. All patients were treated with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. One patient presented with evidence of type 2 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome.

Conclusion

PAI is a rare condition in the pediatric age group. Due to non-specific symptoms, a high index of suspicion is necessary to establish a prompt diagnosis. Once an autoimmune etiology is confirmed, it is important to initiate the appropriate treatment and search for signs and symptoms of other autoimmune diseases during follow-up.

Emergency department care of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are living longer and are increasingly seen in Emergency Departments. Though the most common cause of death remains progressive respiratory failure, increased life expectancies have unmasked the significance of progressive myocardial dysfunction, now associated with nearly 40% of mortalities in the DMD population. Cardiac complications such as arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy are becoming ever more widely recognized. Emergency physicians may encounter DMD patients with untreated, undiagnosed or worsening of known heart disease. This review will initially familiarize the emergency physician with the pathophysiology and lifetime trajectory of care for these patients before describing specific emergency department evaluation and treatment.

Pediatric adrenal insufficiency: thirty years experience at a Portuguese hospital

BACKGROUND

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening condition caused by an impaired secretion of the adrenal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones. It comprises a heterogeneous group of primary, secondary and acquired disorders. Presentation differs according to the child's age, but it usually presents with nonspecific and insidious symptoms and signs. The main purpose of this study was to describe and compare patients with primary or secondary AI.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients with adrenal insufficiency followed at the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit in a tertiary care Portuguese hospital over the last 30 years. Data on family history, age at the first manifestation and at etiological diagnosis, and clinical presentation (symptoms, signs and laboratory evaluation) was gathered for all patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with AI were included; 67.9% were male, with a median (25th-75th percentile, P25-P75) age of 1 (0.5-36) month at the first presentation. The principal diagnostic categories were panhypopituitarism (42.9%) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (25%). The most frequent manifestations (75%) were vomiting and weight loss. They were followed for a median (P25-P75) period of 3.5 (0.6-15.5) years. In respect to neurodevelopmental delay and learning difficulties, they were more common in the secondary AI group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite medical advances, the diagnosis and management of AI remains a challenge, particularly in the pediatric population, and clinicians must have a high index of suspicion. An early identification of AI can prevent a potential lethal outcome, which may result from severe cardiovascular and hemodynamic instability.

Overview of Congenital Hypopituitarism for the Neonatologist

Congenital hypopituitarism is the deficiency in 1 or more hormones produced by the anterior pituitary or released by the posterior pituitary and has an estimated incidence of 1 in 4,000 to 10,000. Due to the critical role the pituitary plays in growth, metabolic, and reproductive processes, early diagnosis is essential to prevent devastating and often preventable outcomes. However, in neonates with congenital hypopituitarism, symptoms are often nonspecific and tend to overlap with other disease processes, making diagnosis extremely challenging in the neonatal period. This review highlights the embryology and organogenesis of the pituitary gland, genetic causes of hypopituitarism, clinical presentations in the neonatal period, and methods to diagnose and treat select deficiencies with a focus on anterior pituitary hormones.

Monitoring for and Management of Endocrine Dysfunction in Adrenoleukodystrophy

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder affecting the nervous system, adrenal cortical function, and testicular function. Newborn screening for ALD has the potential to identify patients at high risk for life-threatening adrenal crisis and cerebral ALD. The current understanding of the natural history of endocrine dysfunction is limited. Surveillance guidelines for males with ALD were developed to address the unpredictable nature of evolving adrenal insufficiency. Early recognition and management of adrenal insufficiency can prevent adrenal crisis. While testicular dysfunction in ALD is described, the natural history and complications of low testosterone, as well as the management, are not well described.

Clinical profile, etiology, and diagnostic challenges of primary adrenal insufficiency in Sudanese children: 14-years' experience from a resource limited setting

OBJECTIVES

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in children is an uncommon condition. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the commonest cause followed by autoimmune disorders. Diagnosis and management are challenging especially in resource-limited settings. Studies from Africa are scanty and here we describe for the first time the clinical presentation, possible etiologies, and challenges in diagnosis and management of PAI in a large cohort of Sudanese children.

METHODS

This was a descriptive hospital-based study where all patients diagnosed with PAI between 2006 and 2020 were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, low morning cortisol ± high adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or inadequate response of cortisol to synacthen stimulation. Challenges faced in diagnosis and management were identified.

RESULTS

From 422 PAI suspected patients, 309 (73.2%) had CAH, and 33 (7.8%) had PAI-like symptoms and were not furtherly discussed. Eighty patients (19%) had fulfilled the study criteria: 29 had Allgrove syndrome, nine auto-immune polyendocrinopathy syndrome, seven adrenoleukodystrophy, and one had an adrenal hemorrhage. Hyperpigmentation was the cardinal feature in 75 (93.8%) while the adrenal crisis was not uncommon. Lack of diagnostic facilities has obscured the etiology in 34 (42.5%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

PAI is not uncommon in Sudanese children where genetic causes outweigh the autoimmune ones. Many cases were missed due to nonspecific presentation, lack of awareness, and difficult access to tertiary health care facilities. In addition to the clinical findings, early morning cortisol ± ACTH levels can be used in diagnosis where facilities are limited particularly synacthen stimulation test.

Characteristics and Challenges of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency in Africa: A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUNDS

Africa comprises 54 countries with varying degrees of economic development. As with other healthcare systems, rare diseases such as adrenal insufficiency are neglected and poorly documented.

OBJECTIVES

We wished to explore primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in Africa, its prevalence, aetiology, genetics, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment and to determine the unmet needs in clinical care, education, and research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative nonsystematic review of the literature was undertaken. We searched two online databases (PubMed and Google scholar) using the search terms "Addison's disease/PAI, primary adrenal insufficiency coupled with "Africa," "country names," and "genetic disorders." A total of 184 PAI records were reviewed. The exclusion of abstracts, conference proceedings, single case reports, and duplicate studies covering the same subject matter yielded 124 articles, of which 97 informed the final manuscript.

RESULTS

A wide range of aetiology of PAI was encountered, but their true prevalence is unknown. Aetiology varied with region and age of presentation as reflected by predominantly TB, HIV, and infective causes occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and more congenital forms described in North Africa associated with consanguinity. In Africa, the diagnostic criteria for PAI do not universally accord with conventional criteria, and there is a heavy reliance on clinical suspicion and biochemistry, including random cortisol of <400 nmol/L, rather than the tetracosactide test where stimulated cortisol <500-550 nmol/L confirms the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

A high index of suspicion is warranted to diagnose PAI in resource-limited settings, especially where tetracosactide tests are not universally available.

Vomiting and Cardiac Arrest in a 10-Year-Old Girl

ABSTRACT

Primary adrenal insufficiency is a potentially life-threatening condition that provides a diagnostic challenge because many patients have months to years of insidious symptomatology. Adrenal crisis is the extreme acute manifestation of primary adrenal insufficiency, presenting with any, or all, of severe weakness, altered mental status, hypotension, and rarely cardiorespiratory arrest. Primary adrenal insufficiency should be considered in patients with clinical features of glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid deficiency. These features however, such as hyperpigmentation, may be subtle, and so a degree of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis. In extremis, children may present with fluid and catecholamine refractory shock. The management of an adrenal crisis includes prompt delivery of stress-dose corticosteroids together with aggressive organ support and correction of metabolic and electrolyte disturbances. We report the case of a previously healthy 10-year-old child that presented to a community emergency department in pulseless arrest, in whom adrenal crisis was suspected as well as treated early, and was subsequently successfully resuscitated.

Prevalence of Adrenal Insufficiency and Glucocorticoid Use in Pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The pathophysiology underlying pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) is complex and not well understood. There are clear differences between PTCS in adults and pediatrics. Few and isolated case reports have suggested that adrenal function may be involved, yet no large cohort study has examined this relationship.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-center study of children who presented with a diagnosis of PTCS and had cortisol testing measured between January 2010 and September 2019. We included all subjects meeting the revised PTCS diagnostic criteria after the chart review. Based on morning, random or 1-μg cosyntropin stimulated cortisol levels, adrenal functioning was classified as: (1) insufficient (peak cortisol <16 μg/dL and AM cortisol <5 μg/dL), (2) at risk (peak cortisol 16-20 μg/dL, AM cortisol 5-13 μg/dL, or random <13 μg/dL), or (3) sufficient (peak cortisol >20 μg/dL and AM or random cortisol >13 μg/dL).

RESULTS

A total of 398 individuals were reviewed, and 64 were included for analysis. Of these, 40.6% were men, of mixed race and ethnicity with a mean age of 10.5 (SD 4.7) years. Of these, 23% and 52% had insufficient or at-risk cortisol levels. The majority of those in the insufficient (70%) or at-risk (80%) groups were exposed to topical, nasal, or inhaled glucocorticoids but not systemic. Only 60% and 12% of those with PTCS with insufficient or at-risk cortisol testing, respectively, underwent definitive testing with a stimulation test.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucocorticoid use and hypocortisolism are prevalent in PTCS and need consideration as a potential underlying cause. Most children had insufficient or at-risk cortisol levels, and many did not undergo further testing/workup. Children who present with PTCS, particularly young, males should be evaluated for adrenal insufficiency and its risk factors, including nonsystemic steroids. Prospective studies are necessary to further evaluate the effect of cortisol in relation to pediatric PTCS.

Adrenal crisis and mortality rate in adrenal insufficiency and congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is characterized by the inability of the adrenal cortex to produce sufficient amounts of glucocorticoids and/or mineralocorticoids. Addison's disease (AD) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are the most frequent disorders in adults and children, respectively. Despite the diagnostic advances and the availability of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacements, adrenal crisis (AC) is still a potentially lethal condition contributing to the increased mortality, not only during the first year of life, but also throughout life. Failure in increasing glucocorticoid doses during acute stress, when greater amounts of glucocorticoids are required, can lead to AC and an increase morbimortality rate of PAI. Considering a mortality rate of 0.5 per 100 patient years, up to 1,500 deaths from AC are expected in Brazil in the coming decade, which represents an alarming situation. The major clinical features are hypotension and volume depletion. Nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common. The main precipitating factors are gastrointestinal diseases, other infectious disease, stressful events (e.g., major pain, surgery, strenuous physical activity, heat, and pregnancy), and withdrawal of glucocorticoid therapy. Suspected AC requires immediate therapeutic action with intravenous (iv) hydrocortisone, fluid infusion, monitoring support, and antibiotics if necessary. AC is best prevented through patient education, precocious identification and by adjusting the glucocorticoid dosage in stressor situations. The emergency card, warning about acute glucocorticoid replacement, has high value in reducing the morbidity and mortality of AC.

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.

Peri-operative steroid management in the paediatric population

BACKGROUND

Patients with adrenal insufficiency are at risk of adrenal crisis, a potentially life-threatening emergency in the peri-operative period due to their attenuated ability to mount a cortisol response. There is a lack of standardization regarding peri-operative stress-dose glucocorticoids in paediatric clinical practice with the absence of agreed protocols. For the individual patient, the risk of adrenal crisis must be weighed against the potential adverse clinical outcomes associated with unnecessary or supra-physiologic glucocorticoid dosing in susceptible patients. Specific clinical concerns in the paediatric population include osteopenia, growth restriction and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. This review aimed to identify and evaluate available literature in the field of peri-operative stress-dose glucocorticoids.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to construct a narrative review.

RESULTS

The outcome of this review identified that paediatric patients, unlike adults, do not show a graded response to surgical stress with implications for glucocorticoid stress dose regimens for general anaesthesia and less invasive surgical procedures. The studies highlight a lack of information on physiological steroid responses to stress situations and differences in the approach to glucocorticoid replacement strategies in the paediatric population.

CONCLUSION

The review identified there is a lack of high-quality paediatric-specific studies evaluating appropriate stress-dose glucocorticoid regimens in paediatric patients with or at risk of adrenal insufficiency. Further research is needed to establish clear evidence-based clinical guidelines for paediatric peri-operative practice regarding steroid stress dosing in adrenal insufficiency. Current knowledge would suggest that a balanced view of risks and benefits should be taken appropriate to the clinical context, to dictate peri-operative stress-dose glucocorticoids use that permits safe perioperative management.

Perioperative stress dose steroid management of children with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Too much or too little?

BACKGROUND

Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at risk for adrenal crises in the perioperative period and require higher doses of glucocorticoids. However, there are no specific protocols detailing the appropriate stress dosing required for children with CAH undergoing surgery with anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate CAH patients using our current hydrocortisone stress dose surgical protocol. We hypothesized that current clinical protocols may overestimate the endogenous response to perioperative stress.

STUDY DESIGN

14 children with CAH scheduled to have genital surgery and a control group of 10 unaffected children scheduled to have cardiac or urologic surgery (of a similar duration) were evaluated in a prospective observational study. Urinary free cortisol (UFC) and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) per body surface area were measured in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

UFC levels were significantly higher in CAH patients (115.8 ± 24.6 nmol/m²) than in controls (26.5 ± 12.2 nmol/m²), P < 0.05.17-OHCS levels were also higher in CAH patients than in controls (6.5 ± 0.5 nmol/m² vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 nmol/m²), P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In the immediate postoperative period, urinary cortisol and its metabolites are significantly higher in pediatric CAH patients receiving stress dose corticosteroids compared to controls. Results suggest that the amount of hydrocortisone given during our stress dose protocol may be higher than physiologic needs. Future dynamic studies are needed to determine appropriate perioperative and postoperative cortisol requirements in pediatric CAH patients in order to develop optimal stress dose regimens.

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.

Transition readiness among adolescents with rare endocrine conditions

OBJECTIVE

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with common endocrine disorders show a high dropout (up to 50%) after the transfer from paediatric to adult endocrinology. Little is known about transition readiness in rare endocrine conditions (rEC). This study aims to assess medical self-management skills (SMS) among AYA with rEC in relation to age and gender, in order to understand dropout and increase transition readiness.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using web-based medical self-management questionnaires.

METHODS

Questionnaires consisting of 54 questions in seven domains were filled out by the adolescents before the first shared appointment with both paediatric and adult endocrinologist.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients (median age 17 years, 25/57 females) participated and generally scored well on most items. However, one out of seven did not know the name of their disorder, one sixth of the glucocorticoid users did not know that dose should be adapted in case of illness or surgery, over one-fifth had never ordered their repeat prescriptions themselves and two-thirds had never had a conversation alone with their doctor.

CONCLUSIONS

Several SMS among patients with rEC are insufficient, with regard to medical knowledge, practical skills and communication. As SMS are only weakly related to non-modifiable factors, such as age and gender, we recommend focussing on other factors to increase transition readiness. The timing, amount and 'mode' of medical information should be individualised. Transition checklists should be used to detect shortcomings in practical skills and communication, which can subsequently be trained with the help of parents, caregivers and/or e-technology.

Adrenoleukodystrophy Newborn Screening in California Since 2016: Programmatic Outcomes and Follow-Up

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a recent addition to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, prompting many states to begin screening newborns for the disorder. We provide California's experience with ALD newborn screening, highlighting the clinical and epidemiological outcomes observed as well as program implementation challenges. In this retrospective cohort study, we examine ALD newborn screening results and clinical outcomes for 1,854,631 newborns whose specimens were received by the California Genetic Disease Screening Program from 16 February 2016 through 15 February 2020. In the first four years of ALD newborn screening in California, 355 newborns screened positive for ALD, including 147 (41%) with an ABCD1 variant of uncertain significance (VUS) and 95 males diagnosed with ALD. After modifying cutoffs, we observed an ALD birth prevalence of 1 in 14,397 males. Long-term follow-up identified 14 males with signs of adrenal involvement. This study adds to a growing body of literature reporting on outcomes of newborn screening for ALD and offering a glimpse of what other large newborn screening programs can expect when adding ALD to their screening panel.

Primary Adrenal Insufficiency in Childhood: Data From a Large Nationwide Cohort

CONTEXT

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that is poorly characterized in children.

OBJECTIVE

To describe causes, presentation, auxological outcome, frequency of adrenal crisis and mortality of a large cohort of children with PAI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 803 patients from 8 centers of Pediatric Endocrinology were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

The following etiologies were reported: 85% (n = 682) congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD); 3.1% (n = 25) X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy; 3.1% (n = 25) autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1; 2.5% (n = 20) autoimmune adrenal insufficiency; 2% (n = 16) adrenal hypoplasia congenital; 1.2% (n = 10) non-21-OHD CAH; 1% (n = 8) rare syndromes; 0.6% (n = 5) familial glucocorticoid deficiency; 0.4% (n = 3) acquired adrenal insufficiency; 9 patients (1%) did not receive diagnosis. Since 21-OHD CAH has been extensively characterized, it was not further reviewed. In 121 patients with a diagnosis other than 21-OHD CAH, the most frequent symptoms at diagnosis were fatigue (67%), hyperpigmentation (50.4%), dehydration (33%), and hypotension (31%). Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (96.4%) was the most common laboratory finding followed by hyponatremia (55%), hyperkalemia (32.7%), and hypoglycemia (33.7%). The median age at presentation was 6.5 ± 5.1 years (0.1-17.8 years) and the mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 5.6 ± 11.6 months (0-56 months) depending on etiology. Rate of adrenal crisis was 2.7 per 100 patient-years. Three patients died from the underlying disease. Adult height, evaluated in 70 patients, was -0.70 ± 1.20 standard deviation score.

CONCLUSIONS

We characterized one of the largest cohorts of children with PAI aiming to improve the knowledge on diagnosis of this rare condition.

Does fludrocortisone treatment cause hypomagnesemia in children with primary adrenal insufficiency?

Background/aim

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid that secreted from adrenal glands and a known factor to increase magnesium excretion by direct and indirect effects on renal tubular cells. Although the frequency of hypomagnesemia was found to be approximately 5% in adult studies, there is no study in the literature investigating the frequency of hypomagnesemia in children by using fludrocortisone, which has a mineralocorticoid activity.

Materials and methods

A multi-center retrospective study was conducted, including children who were under fludrocortisone treatment for primary adrenal insufficiency and applied to participant pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinics.

Results

Forty-three patients (58.1% male, 41.9% prepubertal) included in the study, whose median age was 9.18 (0.61-19) years, and the most common diagnosis among the patients was a salt-wasting form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (67.4%). Mean serum magnesium level was 2.05 (±0.13) mg/dL, and hypomagnesemia was not observed in any of the patients treated with fludrocortisone. None of the patients had increased urinary excretion of magnesium.

Conclusion

Unlike the studies performed in adults, we could not find any evidence of magnesium wasting effect of fludrocortisone treatment with normal or even high doses in children and adolescents.

Congenital Hypopituitarism During the Neonatal Period: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Options, and Outcome

Introduction: Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is characterized by a deficiency of one or more pituitary hormones. The pituitary gland is a central regulator of growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The anterior pituitary produces and secretes growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. The posterior pituitary hormone secretes antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. Epidemiology: The incidence is 1 in 4,000-1 in 10,000. The majority of CH cases are sporadic; however, a small number of familial cases have been identified. In the latter, a molecular basis has frequently been identified. Between 80-90% of CH cases remain unsolved in terms of molecular genetics. Pathogenesis: Several transcription factors and signaling molecules are involved in the development of the pituitary gland. Mutations in any of these genes may result in CH including HESX1, PROP1, POU1F1, LHX3, LHX4, SOX2, SOX3, OTX2, PAX6, FGFR1, GLI2, and FGF8. Over the last 5 years, several novel genes have been identified in association with CH, but it is likely that many genes remain to be identified, as the majority of patients with CH do not have an identified mutation. Clinical manifestations: Genotype-phenotype correlations are difficult to establish. There is a high phenotypic variability associated with different genetic mutations. The clinical spectrum includes severe midline developmental disorders, hypopituitarism (in isolation or combined with other congenital abnormalities), and isolated hormone deficiencies. Diagnosis and treatment: Key investigations include MRI and baseline and dynamic pituitary function tests. However, dynamic tests of GH secretion cannot be performed in the neonatal period, and a diagnosis of GH deficiency may be based on auxology, MRI findings, and low growth factor concentrations. Once a hormone deficit is confirmed, hormone replacement should be started. If onset is acute with hypoglycaemia, cortisol deficiency should be excluded, and if identified this should be rapidly treated, as should TSH deficiency. This review aims to give an overview of CH including management of this complex condition.

Paediatricians' practices and knowledge of corticosteroids: A national survey

AIM

To explore corticosteroid prescription practices and knowledge among paediatricians.

METHODS

The Paediatricians Corticosteroids Survey, a cross-sectional, web-based survey distributed to Israeli paediatricians between February and July 2018.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty-nine paediatricians (105 general paediatricians, 207 subspecialists and 37 paediatric endocrinologists) participated. Two hundred and three (58.2%) had >10 years of paediatric clinical experience and treated >60 patients/wk on average, 175/318 (55%) prescribed corticosteroids to >10% of their patients. On knowledge items, 11/266 (4.1%) responded 'not sure' when tapering of steroids is required, 22/268 (8.2%) to what 'stress dose' meant and 27/268 (10.1%) when a stress dose is required. Multivariate linear analysis showed higher scores were associated with training in paediatric endocrinology (β = 2.271, P = 0.032); medical practice only in a subspecialty (β = 1.909, P = 0.041) or in both general paediatrics and a subspecialty (β = 2.023, P = 0.014), compared to general paediatrics alone and medical studies in Israel (β = 1.059, P = 0.035). Overall, 96.2% thought continued medical education (CME) sessions would be helpful.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that despite clinical experience with corticosteroid usage, respondents demonstrated gaps in knowledge for potentially life-threatening situations. Corticosteroid-based CME programs are warranted to improve paediatricians' knowledge and patient management.

Predictors of Vertebral Deformity in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The PETALE Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of vertebral deformities in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is unknown. Our objectives were to identify the prevalence of vertebral deformities and their risk factors among long-term childhood ALL survivors.

METHODS/RESULTS

We recruited 245 (49% male) long-term childhood ALL survivors from the Preventing Late Adverse Effects of Leukemia Cohort (French-Canadian ALL survivors treated between the years 1987 and 2010 with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute clinical trials protocols, who did not experience disease relapse and/or receive hematopoietic stem cell transplant). Median age at recruitment was 21.7 years (range, 8.5-41) and median time since diagnosis was 15.1 years (range, 5.4-28.2). All participants underwent spine radiograph and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans. The prevalence of vertebral deformity was 23% with 88% classified as grade 1 according to the Genant method. The majority of vertebral deformities were clinically silent. Regression analysis confirmed male sex (risk ratio [RR] = 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-3.24; P = 0.011), higher glucocorticoid cumulative dose (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10; P = 0.032), and back pain (RR = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.56-3.84; P < 0.001) as predictors of prevalent vertebral deformity. Sex differences in vertebral deformity predictors emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a significant prevalence of vertebral deformities in this young cohort. Male sex, cumulative glucocorticoid dose, and back pain were identified as predictors of prevalent vertebral deformity. Back pain emerging as a strong predictor of vertebral deformity underscores the importance of ongoing bone health surveillance in survivors with persistent vertebral deformities treated with these earlier protocols.

An Overview of Hypoglycemia in Children Including a Comprehensive Practical Diagnostic Flowchart for Clinical Use

Hypoglycemia is the result of defects/impairment in glucose homeostasis. The main etiological causes are metabolic and/or endocrine and/or other congenital disorders. Despite hypoglycemia is one of the most common emergencies in neonatal age and childhood, no consensus on the definition and diagnostic work-up exists yet. Aims of this review are to present the current age-related definitions of hypoglycemia in neonatal-pediatric age, to offer a concise and practical overview of its main causes and management and to discuss the current diagnostic-therapeutic approaches. Since a systematic and prompt approach to diagnosis and therapy is essential to prevent hypoglycemic brain injury and long-term neurological complications in children, a comprehensive diagnostic flowchart is also proposed.

Real-World Estimates of Adrenal Insufficiency-Related Adverse Events in Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Although congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is known to be associated with adrenal crises (AC), its association with patient- or clinician-reported sick day episodes (SDE) is less clear.

METHODS

Data on children with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency CAH from 34 centers in 18 countries, of which 7 were Low or Middle Income Countries (LMIC) and 11 were High Income (HIC), were collected from the International CAH Registry and analyzed to examine the clinical factors associated with SDE and AC.

RESULTS

A total of 518 children-with a median of 11 children (range 1, 53) per center-had 5388 visits evaluated over a total of 2300 patient-years. The median number of AC and SDE per patient-year per center was 0 (0, 3) and 0.4 (0.0, 13.3), respectively. Of the 1544 SDE, an AC was reported in 62 (4%), with no fatalities. Infectious illness was the most frequent precipitating event, reported in 1105 (72%) and 29 (47%) of SDE and AC, respectively. On comparing cases from LMIC and HIC, the median SDE per patient-year was 0.75 (0, 13.3) vs 0.11 (0, 12.0) (P < 0.001), respectively, and the median AC per patient-year was 0 (0, 2.2) vs 0 (0, 3.0) (P = 0.43), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The real-world data that are collected within the I-CAH Registry show wide variability in the reported occurrence of adrenal insufficiency-related adverse events. As these data become increasingly used as a clinical benchmark in CAH care, there is a need for further research to improve and standardize the definition of SDE.

Case Report: Neonatal Cholestasis as Early Manifestation of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency

Neonatal cholestasis (NC) may be due to multiple surgical and non-surgical causes, some of which are potentially fatal. The list of potential causes of NC is long, and the systematic search for each of them is challenging in infants, especially when overt signs of underlying disease are lacking. Endocrinological diseases as causes of NC are rare and sometimes misdiagnosed. We report the case of an infant with prolonged cholestatic jaundice due to adrenal insufficiency suspected because of a single episode of hypoglycemia occurring at birth in the absence of clinical signs of adrenal impairment. Clinical exome analysis identified a new homozygous variant in MC2R gene as a putative responsible for familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD). Adrenal insufficiency should always be considered in all cholestatic infants, even in the absence of specific symptoms, since early recognition and treatment is essential to prevent life-threatening events.

Postnatal steroid management in preterm infants with evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease commonly affecting extremely preterm infants. Although mechanical ventilation and oxygen requirements in premature infants are identified as inciting mechanisms for inflammation and the development of BPD over time, data now support an array of perinatal events that may stimulate the inflammatory cascade prior to delivery. Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, have proven beneficial for the prevention and management of BPD postnatally due to their anti-inflammatory characteristics. This review aims to examine the pharmacologic properties of several corticosteroids, appraise the existing evidence for postnatal corticosteroid use in preterm infants, and assess steroid management strategies to ameliorate BPD. Finally, we aim to provide guidance based on clinical experience for managing adrenal suppression resulting from prolonged steroid exposure since this is an area less well-studied.

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.

Evolving pituitary hormone deficits in primarily isolated GHD: a review and experts' consensus

Isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is defined by growth failure in combination with retarded bone age, low serum insulin-like growth factor-1, and insufficient GH peaks in two independent GH stimulation tests. Congenital GHD can present at any age and can be associated with significant malformations of the pituitary-hypothalamic region or the midline of the brain. In rare instances, genetic analysis reveals germline mutations of transcription factors involved in embryogenesis of the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Acquired GHD is caused by radiation, inflammation, or tumor growth. In contrast to organic GHD, idiopathic forms are more frequent and remain unexplained.There is a risk of progression from isolated GHD to combined pituitary hormone deficiency (> 5% for the total group), which is clearly increased in children with organic GHD, especially with significant malformation of the pituitary gland. Therefore, it is prudent to exclude additional pituitary hormone deficiencies in the follow-up of children with isolated GHD by clinical and radiological observations and endocrine baseline tests. In contrast to primary disorders of endocrine glands, secondary deficiency is frequently milder in its clinical manifestation. The pituitary hormone deficiencies can develop over time from mild insufficiency to severe deficiency. This review summarizes the current knowledge on diagnostics and therapy of additional pituitary hormone deficits occurring during rhGH treatment in children initially diagnosed with isolated GHD. Although risk factors are known, there are no absolute criteria enabling exclusion of children without any risk of progress to combined pituitary hormone deficiency. Lifelong monitoring of the endocrine function of the pituitary gland is recommended in humans with organic GHD. This paper is the essence of a workshop of pediatric endocrinologists who screened the literature for evidence with respect to evolving pituitary deficits in initially isolated GHD, their diagnosis and treatment.

Risk of adrenal insufficiency following intra-articular or periarticular corticosteroid injections among children with chronic arthritis

Objectives Intra-articular and/or periarticular corticosteroid injection (IACI) is a common procedure in pediatric rheumatology. Despite many adult studies demonstrating a significant risk of adrenal insufficiency (AI) following the procedure, very little evidence is available in the pediatric literature regarding this risk. The main goal of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of AI in children with chronic arthritis following IACI. Methods This is a retrospective study including children aged 0-18 years who had an IACI from June 2017 to July 2019. An 8:00 morning cortisol (8MC) sample was drawn around two weeks after the injection, and an ACTH 1mcg stimulation test was performed if morning cortisol level was low. AI was defined as an 8MC under 50 nmol/L or an abnormal ACTH stimulation test. Risks factors for AI and its duration were assessed. Results Sixty patients were included in this study. AI prevalence was 30% with 18 of 60 affected patients. The corticosteroid dose injected was statistically associated with the development of AI. Median duration of AI was 181 days for the nine patients who were followed up until resolution of AI. Four patients developed symptoms of AI, namely fatigue (2 of 4), nausea (2 of 4) and abdominal pain (3 of 4). None were hospitalized or died. Conclusions In this cohort of children with chronic arthritis who had an IACI, we found a high prevalence of AI. Monitoring and counseling of such complication is warranted until further evidence is available.

Adrenal Insufficiency in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treated With Topical Corticosteroids

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to identify practices of gastroenterologists screening for adrenal insufficiency (AI) and report prevalence of AI in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) treated with topical corticosteroids (TCS); compare serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels to morning serum cortisol (MSC) levels as screening tool for AI.

METHODS

A multipart study was conducted. In part 1, a survey about screening practices for AI in children with EoE on TCS was sent to gastroenterologists belonging to a PedsGI listserv and to EoE consortia. In part 2, children with EoE on TCS for ≥6 months were prospectively screened for AI with MSC levels. For subjects with a MSC level of <10 μg/dL, a repeat MSC level and/or confirmatory adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing was offered. AI was defined by peak serum cortisol level <18 μg/dL. In part 3, DHEA-S levels were drawn with MSC levels.

RESULTS

Seven percent (16/238) of gastroenterologists screened for AI. Providers in EoE consortia were more likely to screen than nonconsortia providers [9/21(43%) vs 7/217(3%); P = 0.0001]. Thirty-seven children were prospectively screened for AI, and 51% (19/37) had a low MSC level. Ten patients had a low-dose ACTH stimulation test (LDST) after 1 or more low MSC levels. Five percent (2/37) of patients were diagnosed with AI. DHEA-S and MSC levels had a moderate correlation (rs = 0.44, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroenterologists belonging to EoE consortia were more likely to screen for AI. Prevalence of AI in our prospective cohort was 5%. DHEA-S has a moderate correlation with MSC levels, but more data is required to assess utility as a screening tool for AI.

Evaluation of pain scoring and free cortisol levels of postoperative analgesic methods in cardiac surgery: A new perspective

Background

This study aims to evaluate the most appropriate analgesic method of minimizing postoperative pain to prevent complications in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery.

Methods

Between January 2016 and June 2016, a total of 60 patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class III (27 males, 33 females; mean age 63 years; range, 49 to 77 years) with an ejection fraction of above 50% who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting were included. The patients were divided into two groups following admission to the intensive care unit. Group 1 (n=30) was administered intravenous fentanyl citrate with patient-controlled analgesia protocol, while Group 2 (n=30) was administered 0.1% bupivacaine hydrochloride analgesia protocol with catheter placed between the sternum and subcutaneous tissue.

Results

In Group 1, pain intensity scores at two h and visual analog scale scores except at 24, 36, and 48 h were higher than Group 2 (p<0.05). The length of intensive care unit stay and urine cortisol levels were higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (78±12 h and 631±505 ?g at 24 h vs. 66±13 h and 401±297 ?g at 24 h, respectively p<0.05). Partial pressure of oxygen levels at 10 and 16 h during the postoperative intensive care unit stay were lower, while partial pressure of carbon dioxide levels at 24 h was higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The bupivacaine protocol is a relatively more useful analgesic method which produces improved results in blood gas analysis by reducing the effects of pain and shortens the length of intensive care unit stay. Low levels of free cortisol also confirm this finding.

Adrenoleukodystrophy in the era of newborn screening

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder with varying clinical presentations, including adrenal insufficiency, neurologic disease, and testicular dysfunction. The present review is intended to describe the current knowledge of the pathophysiology of ALD and provide an update regarding newborn screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

New York State initiated newborn screening for ALD on December 30, 2013. Successful ALD newborn screening has led to its addition on other state newborn screens and recommendations for universal screening. Initial incidence reports, based on newborn screening, suggest ALD may be more common than previously described. The Pediatric Endocrine Society has published guidance for monitoring newborn males with ALD and case reports suggest biochemical adrenal insufficiency can be present during early infancy. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy have been effective at halting the progression of cerebral ALD.

SUMMARY

Early diagnosis and monitoring for progression of ALD can prevent adrenal crisis and treat the cerebral form of the disease. Initial guidelines for surveillance are likely to evolve as newborn screening not only aids in early detection and therapeutic interventions for ALD, but also expands our knowledge of the natural history of ALD.

Evidence of Systemic Absorption of Enteral Budesonide in Patients with Fontan-Associated Protein-Losing Enteropathy

To evaluate for evidence of systemic glucocorticoid absorption in cases of Fontan-associated protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) treated with enteral budesonide, we reviewed the charts of 27 patients with Fontan-associated PLE followed at Children's Hospital Colorado from 2005 to 2018. Cases were excluded for lack of budesonide thserapy or a treatment duration of less than 6 months. Charts were examined by two endocrinologists for review of prior biochemical endocrine evaluations, alterations in linear growth, and physical exam findings consistent with steroid excess. Twelve patients met inclusion criteria. Eight had prior documented cortisol screening. Three patients were tested while on treatment with a median fasting AM cortisol of 0.9 mcg/dL; two of these had a concomitantly measured ACTH, both below the detectable limit. Five patients were tested while weaning or having discontinued budesonide, with a median fasting AM cortisol of 9.1 mcg/dL. Eleven patients had decreases in height velocity associated with starting budesonide. Six patients had documentation of cushingoid features by an endocrinologist. In this cohort of children treated with budesonide for PLE following Fontan, clinical signs of systemic glucocorticoid absorption were frequent. Cortisol secretion was suppressed while on therapy, with adrenal recovery noted once budesonide was discontinued. Growth failure and cushingoid features were common findings. While these findings should be confirmed in larger cohorts, we recommend that the evaluation for systemic absorption of exogenous steroids be considered in patients treated with long-term enteral budesonide given the potential risk for adrenal crisis in times of physiologic stressors.