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Migliorini F, Maffulli N, Shukla T, D'Ambrosi R, Singla M, Vaish A, Vaishya R. The pandemic is gone but its consequences are here to stay: avascular necrosis following corticosteroids administration for severe COVID-19. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:135. [PMID: 38347592 PMCID: PMC10860242 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04556-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with COVID-19 infection and respiratory insufficiency, corticosteroid (CCS) administration is recommended. Among the wide range of complications and interactions, time-limited high-dose CCS administration might promote avascular necrosis (AVN) in a cumulative dose. This systematic review updated the current evidence and characterises the trend of AVN following time-limited high-dose CCS administration in patients who had severe COVID-19, discussing management strategies and outcomes. METHODS This systematic review was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. In October 2023, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus restricting the search to the years 2019 to 2023. All the clinical studies which investigated the association between time-limited high-dose CCS administration in patients with severe COVID-19 infection and AVN were accessed. RESULTS A total of 245 patients (9 studies) who experienced AVN following COVID-19 were included in the present investigation. 26% (63 of 245 included patients) were women. The mean age of the patients was 42.9 ± 17.7 years. Four studies focused on AVN of the hip and two on the knee, and the other studies included patients with AVN from mixed areas of the body (spine, pelvis, and shoulder). The mean time elapsed from COVID-19 infection to the development of symptomatic AVN was 79.4 ± 59.2 days (range, 14 to 166 days). CONCLUSION It is possible that even time-limited high-dose CCS administration in patients with severe COVID-19 infection increased the incidence of AVN. The mean time elapsed from COVID-19 infection to the development of symptomatic AVN was approximately 80 days. Given the high risk of bias in all the included studies, the quality of recommendations of the present investigation is low, and no reliable conclusion can be inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Migliorini
- Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery, RWTH University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 39100, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Nicola Maffulli
- Department of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7QB, England
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Mile End Hospital, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4DG, England
| | - Tapish Shukla
- Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Institutes of Orthopaedics, New Delhi, 110076, India
| | - Riccardo D'Ambrosi
- Department of Orthopaedics, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, 20161, Milan, Italy
| | - Mohit Singla
- Department of Orthopedics, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Abhishek Vaish
- Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Institutes of Orthopaedics, New Delhi, 110076, India
| | - Raju Vaishya
- Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Institutes of Orthopaedics, New Delhi, 110076, India
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2
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Cozzolino A, Hasenmajer V, Newell-Price J, Isidori AM. COVID-19 pandemic and adrenals: deep insights and implications in patients with glucocorticoid disorders. Endocrine 2023; 82:1-14. [PMID: 37338722 PMCID: PMC10462567 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world. It was initially defined as a potentially severe syndrome affecting the respiratory tract, but it has since been shown to be a systemic disease with relevant extrapulmonary manifestations that increase mortality. The endocrine system has been found to be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. The current review aims to evaluate the available data on the impact of COVID-19 infection and treatment, as well as COVID-19 vaccines, on adrenal gland function, particularly in patients with GC disorders. METHODS A thorough search of published peer-reviewed studies in PubMed was performed using proper keywords. RESULTS Adrenal viral tropism and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in the adrenal glands have been demonstrated, and adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare, but potentially severe complication in COVID-19 disease, whose recognition can be difficult if only for the empirical treatments administered in the early stages. Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment have had a pivotal role in preventing clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19, but long-term GC use may increase COVID-19-related mortality and the development of iatrogenic AI. Patients with GC disorders, especially AI and Cushing's syndrome, have been identified as being at high risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Published evidence suggests that AI patient awareness and proper education may help adjust GC replacement therapy appropriately when necessary, thereby reducing COVID-19 severity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on AI management, particularly in terms of adherence to patients' care plans and self-perceived challenges. On the other hand, published evidence suggests that the clinical course of COVID-19 may be affected by the severity of hypercortisolism in patients with CS. Therefore, to ameliorate the risk profile in these patients, cortisol levels should be adequately controlled, along with careful monitoring of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. To date, the COVID-19 vaccine remains the only available tool to face SARS-CoV-2, and it should not be treated differently in patients with AI and CS. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to adrenal damage and AI is a rare complication in COVID-19 disease, requiring prompt recognition. Educational efforts and patient awareness may reduce COVID-19 severity in patients with AI. Control of cortisol levels and monitoring of complications may improve the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cozzolino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, IT, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Hasenmajer
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, IT, Rome, Italy
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, IT, Rome, Italy.
- Centre for Rare Diseases (ENDO-ERN accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Durcan E, Hacioglu A, Karaca Z, Unluhizarci K, Gonen MS, Kelestimur F. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis Function and Adrenal Insufficiency in COVID-19 Patients. Neuroimmunomodulation 2023; 30:215-225. [PMID: 37703857 PMCID: PMC10614450 DOI: 10.1159/000534025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected more than half a billion people worldwide and caused more than 6 million deaths since 2019. The responsible virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily affects the lungs, but it has multisystemic effects. It is well known that dysfunction of multiple endocrine organs may occur during or after COVID-19. Impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is of utmost importance as it may lead to death if went undiagnosed. SARS-CoV-2 may cause both primary and secondary adrenal insufficiencies (AIs). The clinical manifestations of AI are generally non-specific and might be attributed to the complications caused by the infection itself. The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms were explained by the immunogenic, vascular effects of the infection or the direct effects of the virus. The diagnosis of AI in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is not straightforward. There is lack of consensus on the cut-off values of basal serum cortisol levels and stimulation tests during the disease. Here we review the literature with a special regard on the evaluation of the HPA axis in patients with COVID-19. We conclude that the possibility of AI should always be kept in mind when dealing with patients with COVID-19, and repeated basal cortisol measurements and the ACTH stimulation test results could guide the clinician during the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Durcan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysa Hacioglu
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical School, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuleyha Karaca
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical School, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Kursad Unluhizarci
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical School, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sait Gonen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fahrettin Kelestimur
- Department of Endocrinology, Medical School, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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4
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Knowles G, Warmington E, Shepherd LM, Hazlehurst JM, de Bray A, Gleeson H, Arlt W, Prete A. Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on patients with primary adrenal insufficiency: a cross-sectional study. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e230122. [PMID: 37253239 PMCID: PMC10388655 DOI: 10.1530/ec-23-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) are thought to be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, little is known about its true impact on this group. We assessed morbidity and health promotion attitudes during the pandemic amongst a large cohort of patients with PAI. Design Cross-sectional, single-centre study. Methods In May 2020, COVID-19 advice on social distancing and sick-day rules was distributed to all patients with PAI registered with a large secondary/tertiary care centre. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to survey patients in early 2021. Results Of 207 contacted patients, 162 responded (82/111 with Addison's disease, AD; 80/96 with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, CAH). Patients with AD were older than those with CAH (median age 51 vs 39 years; P < 0.001) and had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 47.6% vs 10.0%; P< 0.001). By the time of the survey, 47 patients (29.0%) had been diagnosed with COVID-19, the second commonest cause of sick-day dosing during the study and the leading trigger of adrenal crises (4/18 cases). Patients with CAH had a higher risk of COVID-19 compared to AD (adjusted odds ratio 2.53 (95% CI 1.07-6.16), P= 0.036), were less inclined to have the COVID-19 vaccine (80.0% vs 96.3%; P = 0.001), and were less likely to have undergone hydrocortisone self-injection training (80.0% vs 91.5%; P = 0.044) or wear medical alert jewellery (36.3% vs 64.6%; P = 0.001). Conclusions COVID-19 was a principal trigger for adrenal crises and sick-day dosing in patients with PAI. Despite a higher risk of COVID-19, patients with CAH showed less engagement with self-protective attitudes. Significance statement We conducted a cross-sectional study on a large and well-characterised group of patients with PAI and demonstrated that COVID-19 was a leading cause of morbidity during the early phases of the pandemic. Patients with AD were older and had a greater burden of comorbidity than those with CAH, including non-adrenal autoimmune disorders. However, patients with CAH were more likely to develop COVID-19 and demonstrated reduced engagement with healthcare services and health promotion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Warmington
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa M Shepherd
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jonathan M Hazlehurst
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anne de Bray
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Helena Gleeson
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | - Alessandro Prete
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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5
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Qudus MS, Tian M, Sirajuddin S, Liu S, Afaq U, Wali M, Liu J, Pan P, Luo Z, Zhang Q, Yang G, Wan P, Li Y, Wu J. The roles of critical pro-inflammatory cytokines in the drive of cytokine storm during SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28751. [PMID: 37185833 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In patients with severe COVID-19, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and even mortality can result from cytokine storm, which is a hyperinflammatory medical condition caused by the excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. High levels of numerous crucial pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, IFN-induced protein 10 kDa, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and IL-10 and so on, have been found in severe COVID-19. They participate in cascade amplification pathways of pro-inflammatory responses through complex inflammatory networks. Here, we review the involvements of these critical inflammatory cytokines in SARS-CoV-2 infection and discuss their potential roles in triggering or regulating cytokine storm, which can help to understand the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19. So far, there is rarely effective therapeutic strategy for patients with cytokine storm besides using glucocorticoids, which is proved to result in fatal side effects. Clarifying the roles of key involved cytokines in the complex inflammatory network of cytokine storm will help to develop an ideal therapeutic intervention, such as neutralizing antibody of certain cytokine or inhibitor of some inflammatory signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Suhaib Qudus
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingfu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Summan Sirajuddin
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Uzair Afaq
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muneeba Wali
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Jinbiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Zhen Luo
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Ge Yang
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Pin Wan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Yongkui Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan, China
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6
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Nowotny HF, Bryce J, Ali SR, Giordano R, Baronio F, Chifu I, Tschaidse L, Cools M, van den Akker ELT, Falhammar H, Appelman-Dijkstra NM, Persani L, Beccuti G, Ross IL, Grozinsky-Glasberg S, Pereira AM, Husebye ES, Hahner S, Faisal Ahmed S, Reisch N. Outcome of COVID-19 infections in patients with adrenal insufficiency and excess. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:EC-22-0416. [PMID: 36715679 PMCID: PMC10083676 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection in patients with adrenal disorders is scarce. METHODS A collaboration between the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) Rare Disease Committee and European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions via the European Registries for Rare Endocrine Conditions allowed the collection of data on 64 cases (57 adrenal insufficiency (AI), 7 Cushing's syndrome) that had been reported by 12 centres in 8 European countries between January 2020 and December 2021. RESULTS Of all 64 patients, 23 were males and 41 females (13 of those children) with a median age of 37 and 51 years. In 45/57 (95%) AI cases, COVID-19 infection was confirmed by testing. Primary insufficiency was present in 45/57 patients; 19 were affected by Addison's disease, 19 by congenital adrenal hyperplasia and 7 by primary AI (PAI) due to other causes. The most relevant comorbidities were hypertension (12%), obesity (n = 14%) and diabetes mellitus (9%). An increase by a median of 2.0 (IQR 1.4) times the daily replacement dose was reported in 42 (74%) patients. Two patients were administered i.m. injection of 100 mg hydrocortisone, and 11/64 were admitted to the hospital. Two patients had to be transferred to the intensive care unit, one with a fatal outcome. Four patients reported persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, all others complete remission. CONCLUSION This European multicentre questionnaire is the first to collect data on the outcome of COVID-19 infection in patients with adrenal gland disorders. It suggests good clinical outcomes in case of duly dose adjustments and emphasizes the importance of patient education on sick day rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna F Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Department of Endocrinology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jillian Bryce
- Office for Rare Conditions, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Salma R Ali
- Office for Rare Conditions, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roberta Giordano
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Baronio
- Pediatric Unit, Department Hospital of Woman and Child, Endo-ERN Centre IT11, IRCSS AOU S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irina Chifu
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lea Tschaidse
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Department of Endocrinology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erica LT van den Akker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natasha M Appelman-Dijkstra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan Italy
| | - Guglielmo Beccuti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ian L Ross
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Simona Grozinsky-Glasberg
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, ENETS Center of Excellence, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hadassah Medical Organisation and Faculty of Medicine, the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eystein S Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science and KG Jebsen Center for Autoimmune Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefanie Hahner
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Office for Rare Conditions, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Department of Endocrinology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to N Reisch:
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7
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Qiao W, Meng L, Zhang Y, Li D, Chen J, Wang J, Xie D, Xue X. Safety and efficacy of glucocorticoids in the treatment of COVID-19: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:81-96. [PMID: 36738136 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2177155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids compared with placebo or usual care for treatment of COVID-19. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients from 1 December 2019, to 30 June 2022, were assessed using Cochrane bias risk assessment method and improved Jadad score scale. GRADEpro was used to rate the quality of evidence for outcomes. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs were included, including 10,620 patients. Glucocorticoid treatment for severe and critical COVID-19 showed lesser all-cause mortality (OR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.76, 0.94], P = 0.002) than conventional treatment. However, for mildly ill patients, neither inhaled drugs nor intravenous drugs reduced mortality (OR = 0.64, 95% CI [0.24, 1.76], P = 0.39). Glucocorticoids had no significant effect on the adverse reactions of patients (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [0.77, 1.80], P = 0.44) compared with usual care/placebo. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that dexamethasone significantly reduced the mortality of COVID-19 patients. Low-dose glucocorticoids were also associated with lower all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Glucocorticoids (especially dexamethasone) reduce mortality of patients with severe and critical COVID-19 with no significant effect on the incidence of adverse reactions (moderate quality). In contrast, glucocorticoids do not benefit patients with mild symptoms (low quality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Qiao
- Institute of Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.,Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lihong Meng
- Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Dian Li
- Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinyun Wang
- Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Di Xie
- Institute of Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoming Xue
- Department of Respiration, Shanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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8
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Bruscoli S, Puzzovio PG, Zaimi M, Tiligada K, Levi-Schaffer F, Riccardi C. Glucocorticoids and COVID-19. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106511. [PMID: 36243331 PMCID: PMC9556882 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates globally, representing the greatest health and economic challenge today. Several drugs are currently approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Among these, glucocorticoids (GCs) have received particular attention due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. In fact, GC are widely used in current clinical practice to treat inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Major mechanisms of GC action include inhibition of innate and adaptive immune activity. In particular, an important role is played by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and the induction of proteins with anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, as indicated by various national and international regulatory agencies, GCs are recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 in patients requiring oxygen therapy, with or without mechanical ventilation. Regarding the use of GCs for the COVID-19 treatment of non-hospitalized patients at an early stage of the disease, many controversial studies have been reported and regulatory agencies have not recommended their use. The decision to start GC therapy should be based not only on the severity of COVID-19 disease, but also on careful considerations of the benefit/risk profile in individual patients, including monitoring of adverse events. In this review we summarize the effects of GCs on the major cellular and molecular components of the inflammatory/immune system, the benefits and the adverse common reactions in the treatment of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, as well as in the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bruscoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Puzzovio
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maria Zaimi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Tiligada
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel,Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy,Corresponding author
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9
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Kanczkowski W, Gaba WH, Krone N, Varga Z, Beuschlein F, Hantel C, Andoniadou C, Bornstein SR. Adrenal Gland Function and Dysfunction During COVID-19. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:532-539. [PMID: 35944524 DOI: 10.1055/a-1873-2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently one of the major health concerns worldwide accounting for many deaths and posing a great social and economic burden. Early activation of adrenal hormone secretion is pivotal to surviving systemic microbial infections. In addition, clinical studies demonstrated that glucocorticoids might also be beneficial in reducing disease progression and life deterioration in certain patients with COVID-19. Recent studies demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 might target the adrenal glands, raising the possibility that at least some COVID-19 complications may be associated with adrenal dysfunction. Whether SARS-CoV-2 infection might cause adrenal dysfunction remains unknown. Histopathological examinations provided evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection might indeed cause certain structural damage to the adrenal glands, especially concerning its vascular system. However, since no widespread cellular damage to cortical cells was observed, it is less likely that those changes could lead to an immediate adrenal crisis. This assumption is supported by the limited number of studies reporting rather adequate cortisol levels in patients with acute COVID-19. Those studies, however, could not exclude a potential late-onset or milder form of adrenal insufficiency. Although structural damage to adrenal glands is a rarely reported complication of COVID-19, some patients might develop a critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI), or iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency resulting from prolonged treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids. In this mini-review article, we aimed at describing and discussing factors involved in the adrenal gland function and possible dysfunction during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Kanczkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Waqar Haider Gaba
- Internal Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cynthia Andoniadou
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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10
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Jensterle M, Herman R, Janež A, Mahmeed WA, Al-Rasadi K, Al-Alawi K, Banach M, Banerjee Y, Ceriello A, Cesur M, Cosentino F, Galia M, Goh SY, Kalra S, Kempler P, Lessan N, Lotufo P, Papanas N, Rizvi AA, Santos RD, Stoian AP, Toth PP, Viswanathan V, Rizzo M. The Relationship between COVID-19 and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis: A Large Spectrum from Glucocorticoid Insufficiency to Excess—The CAPISCO International Expert Panel. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137326. [PMID: 35806331 PMCID: PMC9266848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly heterogeneous disease regarding severity, vulnerability to infection due to comorbidities, and treatment approaches. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been identified as one of the most critical endocrine targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that might significantly impact outcomes after infection. Herein we review the rationale for glucocorticoid use in the setting of COVID-19 and emphasize the need to have a low index of suspicion for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency, adjusting for the glucocorticoid formulation used, dose, treatment duration, and underlying health problems. We also address several additional mechanisms that may cause HPA axis dysfunction, including critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency, the direct cytopathic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the adrenals, pituitary, and hypothalamus, immune-mediated inflammations, small vessel vasculitis, microthrombotic events, the resistance of cortisol receptors, and impaired post-receptor signaling, as well as the dissociation of ACTH and cortisol regulation. We also discuss the increased risk of infection and more severe illness in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing disorders of the HPA axis, from insufficiency to excess. These insights into the complex regulation of the HPA axis reveal how well the body performs in its adaptive survival mechanism during a severe infection, such as SARS-CoV-2, and how many parameters might disbalance the outcomes of this adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Jensterle
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (R.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Herman
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (R.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Janež
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (R.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-522-35-64
| | - Wael Al Mahmeed
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112412, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Khalid Al-Rasadi
- Medical Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 113, Oman;
| | - Kamila Al-Alawi
- Department of Training and Studies, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat 113, Oman;
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Yajnavalka Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Mohamed Bin Rashid University, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Mustafa Cesur
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Ankara Güven Hospital, 06540 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Francesco Cosentino
- Unit of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, University of Stockholm, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Massimo Galia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Bind), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Su-Yen Goh
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital & BRIDE, Karnal 132001, India;
| | - Peter Kempler
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Nader Lessan
- The Research Institute, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 48338, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Paulo Lotufo
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Nikolaos Papanas
- Diabetes Center, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 68100 Alexandroupoli, Greece;
| | - Ali A. Rizvi
- Department of Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Raul D. Santos
- The Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Anca P. Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Carol Davila University, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Peter P. Toth
- Cicarrone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | | | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Promise), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
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11
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Atkinson M, Lansdown AJ. Endocrine immune-related adverse events: Adrenal, parathyroid, diabetes insipidus, and lipoatrophy. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101635. [PMID: 35382989 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2022.101635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are being prescribed increasingly widely for a range of malignancies. They are effective at treating certain cancers, but also have significant side effects. Evidence suggests that efficacy is greatest in patients who experience one or more immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Common irAEs include skin and hepatic reactions, and a range of immune-related endocrinopathies. These include hypophysitis, thyroid disease, and autoimmune diabetes mellitus, and rarer endocrinopathies such as primary adrenal insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, parathyroid disease, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, lipodystrophy, and ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Herein, we review the current literature related to these rarer immunotherapy-induced endocrinopathies.
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12
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Ahmad R, Haque M. Surviving the Storm: Cytokine Biosignature in SARS-CoV-2 Severity Prediction. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040614. [PMID: 35455363 PMCID: PMC9026643 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The world has been stricken mentally, physically, and economically by the COVID-19 virus. However, while SARS-CoV-2 viral infection results in mild flu-like symptoms in most patients, a number of those infected develop severe illness. These patients require hospitalization and intensive care. The severe disease can spiral downwards with eventual severe damage to the lungs and failure of multiple organs, leading to the individual’s demise. It is necessary to identify those who are developing a severe form of illness to provide early management. Therefore, it is crucial to learn about the mechanisms and chemical mediators that lead to critical conditions in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This paper reviews studies regarding the individual chemical mediators, pathways, and means that contribute to worsening health conditions in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Abstract A significant part of the world population has been affected by the devastating SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has deleterious effects on mental and physical health and global economic conditions. Evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in immunopathology such as neutrophilia, lymphopenia, decreased response of type I interferon, monocyte, and macrophage dysregulation. Even though most individuals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus suffer mild symptoms similar to flu, severe illness develops in some cases, including dysfunction of multiple organs. Excessive production of different inflammatory cytokines leads to a cytokine storm in COVID-19 infection. The large quantities of inflammatory cytokines trigger several inflammation pathways through tissue cell and immune cell receptors. Such mechanisms eventually lead to complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, intravascular coagulation, capillary leak syndrome, failure of multiple organs, and, in severe cases, death. Thus, to devise an effective management plan for SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is necessary to comprehend the start and pathways of signaling for the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced cytokine storm. This article discusses the current findings of SARS-CoV-2 related to immunopathology, the different paths of signaling and other cytokines that result in a cytokine storm, and biomarkers that can act as early signs of warning for severe illness. A detailed understanding of the cytokine storm may aid in the development of effective means for controlling the disease’s immunopathology. In addition, noting the biomarkers and pathophysiology of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection as early warning signs can help prevent severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahnuma Ahmad
- Department of Physiology, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Plot No 4 Road 8/9, Sector-1, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh;
| | - Mainul Haque
- Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: or
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13
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Detomas M, Altieri B, Deutschbein T, Fassnacht M, Dischinger U. Metyrapone Versus Osilodrostat in the Short-Term Therapy of Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome: Results From a Single Center Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:903545. [PMID: 35769081 PMCID: PMC9235400 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.903545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although surgery is considered the first-line treatment for patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS), medical therapy is often required to control severe hypercortisolism. Metyrapone and osilodrostat are both steroidogenic inhibitors targeting the 11β-hydroxylase, however, their therapeutic effectiveness has not yet been directly compared. This study aimed to evaluate metyrapone and osilodrostat in the short-term therapy of CS. METHODS Retrospective analysis of patients with endogenous CS treated with metyrapone or osilodrostat as monotherapy for at least 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were serum cortisol and 24h urinary free cortisol (UFC) at baseline (T0) and after 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) of therapy. RESULTS 16 patients with endogenous CS were identified (pituitary n=7, adrenal n=4, ectopic CS n=5). Each 8 patients were treated with metyrapone and osilodrostat. Despite heterogeneity, both groups showed comparable mean UFC levels at T0 (metyrapone: 758 µg/24h vs osilodrostat: 817 µg/24h; p=0.93). From T0 to T1, the decrease of UFC was less pronounced under metyrapone than osilodrostat (-21.3% vs -68.4%; median daily drug dose: 1000 mg vs 4 mg). This tendency persisted at T2 (-37.3% vs -50.1%; median drug dose: 1250 mg vs 6 mg) while at T3 a decrease in UFC from T0 was more pronounced in the metyrapone group (-71.5% vs -51.5%; median dose 1250 mg vs 7 mg). Under osilodrostat, a QTc-interval prolongation was identified at T3 (mean 432 ms vs 455 ms). From T0 to T2, the number of antihypertensive drugs remained comparable under metyrapone and decreased under osilodrostat (n= -0.3 vs n= -1.0). CONCLUSION Although both drugs show comparable therapeutic efficacy, osilodrostat seems to reduce cortisol levels and to control blood pressure faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Detomas
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Altieri,
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dischinger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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14
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Popovic B, Radovanovic Spurnic A, Velickovic J, Plavsic A, Jecmenica-Lukic M, Glisic T, Ilic D, Jeremic D, Vratonjic J, Samardzic V, Gluvic Z, Adzic-Vukicevic T. Successful Immunomodulatory Treatment of COVID-19 in a Patient With Severe ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:889928. [PMID: 35813652 PMCID: PMC9257249 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.889928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) represent a highly sensitive group during corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The effect of multiple comorbidities and immune system supression make the clinical picture complicated and treatment challenging. CASE REPORT A 70-year-old female was admitted to a covid hospital with a severe form of COVID-19 pneumonia that required oxygen supplementation. Prior to her admission to the hospital she was diagnosed with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent CS, and the treatment of hypercortisolism had not been started yet. Since the patient's condition was quickly deteriorating, and with presumend immmune system supression due to CS, we decided on treatement with intraveonus immunoglobulins (IVIg) that enabled quick onset of immunomodulatory effect. All comorbidities were treated with standard of care. The patient's condition quickly stabilized with no direct side effects of a given treatment. CONCLUSION Treatment of COVID-19 in patients with CS faces many challenges due to the complexity of comorbidity effects, immunosupression and potential interactions of available medications both for treatment of COVID-19 and CS. So far, there are no guidelines for treatment of COVID-19 in patients with active CS. It is our opinion that immunomodulating therapies like IVIg might be an effective and safe treatment modality in this particularly fragile group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Popovic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocriniology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- *Correspondence: Bojana Popovic,
| | - Aleksandra Radovanovic Spurnic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Velickovic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Centre for Anesthesiology and Reanimation, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Plavsic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Allergology and Immunology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Jecmenica-Lukic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Neurology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tijana Glisic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Ilic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocriniology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danka Jeremic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Endocriniology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Vratonjic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Samardzic
- Clinic for Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Zemun Clinical Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Gluvic
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Internal Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Zemun Clinical Hospital, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Adzic-Vukicevic
- Covid Hospital Batajnica, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Pulmology, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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15
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Altieri B, Lalli E, Faggiano A. Mitotane treatment in adrenocortical carcinoma: mechanisms of action and predictive markers of response to therapy. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2021; 47:203-214. [PMID: 34881855 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a high risk of recurrence even in cases with complete surgical tumor resection. Mitotane represents the cornerstone of the adjuvant therapy as well as the first line of medical treatment in advanced cases. However, evidence on mitotane efficacy is mostly based on retrospective studies and the use of mitotane continues to represent a clinical challenge. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Mitotane causes selective damage to adrenocortical cells, causing an increase of cell apoptosis through a disruption of mitochondria and the induction of the endoplasmic reticulum stress. Different clinical and molecular markers predicting response to mitotane have been proposed with uncertain results. Attainment of mitotane plasma levels within the target range of 14 to 20 mg/L represent the strongest predictor of mitotane effectiveness both in adjuvant and advanced tumor setting. The occurrence of late recurrence after primary ACC diagnosis and changes in metabolic activity on FDG-PET are only weakly associated with mitotane response. Among the proposed molecular markers associated with mitotane efficacy, the investigation of the CYP2W1*6 and CYP2B6*6 single nucleotide polymorphisms appears to be currently the most promising predictive molecular markers of mitotane therapy. However, none of the evaluated markers has been validated for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS In the era of precision medicine, a better insight into mitotane molecular mechanisms as well as the potential use in the daily clinical practice of clinical parameters and molecular markers predicting the individual response to mitotane are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany -
| | - Enzo Lalli
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire CNRS UMR 7275, Valbonne, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne, France.,INSERM, Valbonne, France
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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