1.Evaluation of morning cortisol in diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency in a tertiary hospital in Central Pahang
Saravanaa Nalliah ; See Chee Keong
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):19-
Introduction:
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening condition
that frequently presents with non-specific symptoms,
complicating early diagnosis. Morning serum cortisol
serves as an effective initial screening tool for assessing
the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially
reducing the necessity for dynamic investigations such as
the Short Synacthen Test (SST). This study aims to assess
the clinical indications for morning cortisol testing and
evaluate institutional compliance with guideline-based
cortisol cut-offs, the initiation of hydrocortisone therapy,
and the provision of “sick day” education.
Methodology:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted
among inpatients at a tertiary hospital in Central Pahang
who underwent morning cortisol evaluation between
March and August 2025. Data regarding demographics,
indications, biochemical results, and clinical management
were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results:
Among the 111 patients included (mean age: 54.96 ±
15.88 years), the primary indications for testing were
hyponatremia (54.1%), hypotension (27.9%), and a history
of traditional medication use (26.1%). Based on Endocrine
Society guidelines: <150 nmol/L (AI likely): 16.2%, 150–300
nmol/L (Borderline): 26.1%, and >300 nmol/L (AI unlikely):
57.7%. Notably, only 10 of the 18 patients with cortisol
levels <150 nmol/L were formally diagnosed and initiated
on appropriate therapy. In the borderline group, only two
patients underwent an SST. Although 12 patients overall
were treated for AI, only eight received documented “sick
day” education. Low cortisol levels were significantly
associated with hyponatremia, hypotension, and traditional
medication use, and demonstrated a negative correlation
with serum sodium and albumin levels.
Conclusion
Morning serum cortisol is a valuable screening tool for
AI, particularly in patients presenting with hyponatremia
or hypotension. However, significant gaps persist in
follow-up management, confirmatory testing, and patient
education. Implementing standardized protocols and
enhancing clinician education are essential to optimize care.
Hydrocortisone
;
Adrenal Insufficiency
;
Tertiary Care Centers
2.When Cortisol Overwhelms the Heart: A Fatal Case of Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Presenting as Acute Heart Failure
Tze Liang Lee ; Shaleni Nagappen ; Deviga Latchumanan
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):31-
Introduction:
Cushing’s syndrome is a multisystem disorder with significant cardiovascular morbidity, yet presentation as acute
heart failure is uncommon. When driven by adrenocortical
carcinoma (ACC), the clinical course is often aggressive and
rapidly fatal, with particularly poor out-comes in resourcelimited settings where access to therapy is constrained.
Case:
A 39-year-old previously well female presented with acute
decompensated heart failure, newly diagnosed hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity, preceded
by a 3-year history of secondary amenorrhea and progressive weight gain. On admission, she exhibited florid
Cushingoid features. Biochemical evaluation confirmed
severe adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent
hypercortisolism: morning serum cortisol 1,950 nmol/L,
failure of suppression on overnight dexamethasone
suppression test (post-ODST cortisol 2022.9 nmol/L),
and elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol (2,069 nmol/24
hours, 2.56 × upper limit of normal). Androgen excess was
evident, with elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
(DHEAS more than 27 µmol/L) and testosterone (9.91
nmol/L). ACTH was suppressed, supporting an adrenal
source, while aldosterone was normal. Contrast-enhanced
computed tomography demonstrated a large left adrenal
mass (12 cm) with tumor thrombus extending into the
inferior vena cava and renal veins, with extensive hepatic
and pulmonary metastases, consistent with advanced ACC.
Management was limited by disease severity and resource
constraints. Ketoconazole was contraindicated due to
transaminitis, and alternative steroidogenesis inhibitors
were unavailable, leaving metyrapone as the only feasible
option. Oncological therapy was deferred due to sepsis and
clinical instability. Her course was fulminant, complicated
by recurrent heart failure, sepsis, and metabolic derangements, culminating in refractory cardiopulmonary failure.
She died within 1 month of diagnosis, prior to definitive
oncological intervention.
Conclusion
Fulminant cortisol-secreting ACC may present catastrophically as acute heart failure and progress rapidly. Early
recognition and timely access to multimodal cortisollowering therapy are critical, particularly in resourcelimited settings. In fulminant hypercortisolism, the
challenge is not diagnosis—but timing.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Heart Failure
3.Defying the Scalpel: Management of Pituitary Apoplexy with Hydrocortisone
Lakshna Vani Nadarajan ; Sarojini Devi Simanchalam ; Poh Shean Wong ; Hamizah Hamzah ; Nor Afidah Abdul Karim ; Noor Lita Adam
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):93-
Introduction:
Pituitary apoplexy is an acute endocrine emergency, as early
recognition may influence the outcomes, often presenting
with sudden headache, visual disturbances, ocular palsies,
vomiting, or altered consciousness. Given that urgent surgical decompression is a common management,
emerging evidence supports corticosteroid therapy in our
patient with significant neuro-ophthalmic deficits.
Case:
A 65-year-old male with hypertension, dyslipidemia,
type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease stage III,
and ischemic heart disease presented with a 4-day history
of fever, vomiting, bifrontal headache, and generalized
abdominal pain. Initially, he was treated for presumed intraabdominal sepsis. On day 3 of admission, he developed
acute right-sided complete ptosis with ophthalmoplegia
involving cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Prior to that, he
had also reduced morning erections for 6 months before
presentation. Biochemical evaluation revealed markedly
reduced total testosterone (0.33 nmol/L) with inappropriately
low–normal gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone 1.5 IU/L,
follicle-stimulating hormone 2.3 IU/L), in keeping with
secondary hypogonadism. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
was suppressed, indicating secondary adrenal insufficiency.
Thyroid function was preserved. Overall findings suggested
partial hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging
confirmed a cystic pituitary lesion measuring 1.4 × 2.6 ×
1.8 cm with cavernous sinus involvement and features of
pituitary apoplexy. His Pituitary Apoplexy Score was 4. He
was offered surgical intervention but was not keen. He was
treated with intravenous hydrocortisone, with rapid clinical
improvement, including near-complete resolution of right
eye ptosis and restoration of extraocular movements within
3 days, and was able to recover without surgery. The
hydrocortisone was gradually tapered, and the patient was
discharged well with Endocrine follow-up.
Conclusion
Timely corticosteroid therapy alone can result in rapid,
near-complete neurological recovery in pituitary apoplexy,
even with multiple cranial nerves involvement. In carefully
selected patients without visual field compromise, conservative management may safely obviate the need for urgent
surgical intervention, emphasizing the importance of early
recognition and individualized treatment strategies.
Hydrocortisone
;
Pituitary Apoplexy
4.Inhibitory Effects of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC. Volatile Oil on Psychological Factors SP/CORT-Induced Hyperpigmentation.
Man YANG ; Kang CHENG ; Jie GU ; Hua-Li WU ; Yi-Ming LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(12):1097-1104
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the inhibitory effects of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC. volatile oil (NJVO) on psychological factors substance P (SP)/cortisol (CORT)-induced hyperpigmentation.
METHODS:
The model of psychologically-induced hyperpigmentation of B16F10 cells was created using SP (10 nmol/L) + CORT (10 µmol/L) for 72 h. The levels of melanin content, tyrosinase (TYR) activity using NaOH lysis and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) oxidation methods were assessed, respectively. The effect of NJVO on SP/CORT-induced normal human skin tissue pigmentation was detected by Masson staining. Protein expressions of tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-relative protein 2 (DCT), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were determined using Western blot. The melanosome number, maturation, and melanosomal structure changes were detected through transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence experiments. In vivo, zebrafish pigment content was evaluated in SP/CORT-induced zebrafish hyperpigmentation model.
RESULTS:
NJVO significantly reduced the melanin content (P<0.01) and inhibited tyrosinase activity (P<0.01), the pigmentation of the normal skin tissue in the NJVO group was significantly lower than that in the SP/CORT group (P<0.05). And NJVO considerably downregulated expressions of melanogenesis-related proteins (TYR, TRP-1, DCT) in cells (P<0.01). In addition, the number of melanosomes was decreased and the dentrites formation of B16F10 cells was inhibited after NJVO treatment (P<0.01). In vivo, NJVO significantly reduced the pigment content in the zebrafish body (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
NJVO effectively reversed SP/CORT-induced hyperpigmentation by suppressing the activity and expression of TYR and TRPs and inhibiting melanosome maturation in mouse B16F10 melanoma cells.
Animals
;
Hyperpigmentation/psychology*
;
Zebrafish
;
Oils, Volatile/therapeutic use*
;
Melanins/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Nardostachys/chemistry*
;
Substance P
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Skin Pigmentation/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Melanosomes/ultrastructure*
;
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Melanoma, Experimental
;
Oxidoreductases/metabolism*
;
Intramolecular Oxidoreductases/metabolism*
5.Meta-analysis of hydrocortisone in the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia.
Xue GU ; Penglei YANG ; Lina YU ; Jun YUAN ; Zhou YUAN ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lianxin CHEN ; Ying ZHANG ; Jikuan HU ; Yu HUANG ; Qihong CHEN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(6):542-548
OBJECTIVE:
To explore whether hydrocortisone can improve the prognosis of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) by Meta-analysis.
METHODS:
Randomized controlled trial (RCT) on hydrocortisone in the treatment of sCAP were extracted from the database including PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Embase, and the search time was up to April 29, 2023. The patients in the standard treatment group received standard treatment such as antibiotics and supportive care, while those in the hydrocortisone group received hydrocortisone treatment on the basis of standard treatment. Meta-analysis was used to compare the mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, mechanical ventilation rate and incidence of adverse reactions (hyperglycemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, secondary infection) between the two groups. The risk of literature bias was assessed. The studies that might have publication bias were corrected by the subtraction and complementation method. At the same time, trial sequential analysis (TSA) was conducted.
RESULTS:
A total of 5 RCTs involving 1 031 patients were finally enrolled, including 494 patients in the standard treatment group and 537 patients in the hydrocortisone group. Among the 5 studies, the research site of 2 studies was in the mixed ward. Considering the inclusion characteristics of the study population, there was doubt whether its research object was sCAP patients, which might have a certain impact on the results and introduce potential bias. Meta-analysis showed that the mortality in the hydrocortisone group was significantly lower than that in the standard treatment group [6.0% vs. 14.0%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.38, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.25-0.59, P < 0.01; I2 = 9%]. The studies that were asymmetric were corrected by the reduction and supplementation method. Even after filling the missing studies, hydrocortisone could still reduce the death risk of the patient (OR = 0.49, 95%CI was 0.32-0.73, P < 0.01; I2 = 31%). TSA showed that the average mortality of the standard treatment group was about 14.0%, and that of the hydrocortisone group was about 6.0%, with a relative risk reduction (RRR) = 57%. The calculated sample size was 699 cases, and the actual sample size was 1 031 cases. The actual sample size exceeded the required sample size, and the Z-curve crossed the O'Brien-Fleming boundary and the curve corresponding to P = 0.05, it meant that hydrocortisone could effectively reduce the mortality of sCAP. Compared with the standard treatment group, no statistical difference in the duration of mechanical ventilation was found in the hydrocortisone group [mean difference (MD) = -3.26, 95%CI was -6.72-0.21, P = 0.07; I2 = 0%], but the 8-day mechanical ventilation rate was significantly lowered (19.5% vs. 55.4%; OR = 0.24, 95%CI was 0.12-0.45, P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), and also no significantly difference was found in the incidence of hyperglycemia (54.3% vs. 44.6%, OR = 1.26, 95%CI was 0.56-2.84, P = 0.58; I2 = 61%), gastrointestinal bleeding (2.5% vs. 3.6%; OR = 0.70, 95%CI was 0.34-1.46, P = 0.34; I2 = 0%) and secondary infection (9.2% vs. 11.5%; OR = 0.46, 95%CI was 0.06-3.35, P = 0.45; I2 = 53%).
CONCLUSION
Hydrocortisone can reduce the mortality rate of sCAP patients, decrease their need for mechanical ventilation, and does not increase the risk of hyperglycemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, or secondary infections.
Humans
;
Hydrocortisone/therapeutic use*
;
Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy*
;
Pneumonia/drug therapy*
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
;
Respiration, Artificial
;
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
6.Efficacy and feasibility of catheter-based adrenal ablation on Cushing's syndrome associated hypertension.
Zhen Cheng YAN ; Nan JIANG ; He Xuan ZHANG ; Qing ZHOU ; Xiao Li LIU ; Fang SUN ; Ruo Mei YANG ; Hong Bo HE ; Zhi Gang ZHAO ; Zhi Ming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2023;51(11):1152-1159
Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.
Male
;
Humans
;
Cushing Syndrome/complications*
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Feasibility Studies
;
Blood Glucose
;
Hyperplasia/complications*
;
Hypertension/complications*
;
Adenoma/complications*
;
Body Weight
;
Catheters/adverse effects*
7.Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis activity in SARS-CoV-2 infected noncritically ill hospitalized patients
Hurjahan Banu ; Nusrat Sultana ; Md Shahed Morshed ; MA Hasanat ; Ahmed Abu Saleh ; Shohael Mahmud Arafat
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2023;38(2):65-70
Objectives:
This study determined the baseline hormonal levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and their associated factors in noncritically ill hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methodology:
This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 91 noncritical RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients (18-65 years) recruited consecutively from the COVID unit, of two tertiary care hospitals over a period of six months. After screening for exclusion criteria relevant history and physical examinations were done, and blood was drawn between 07:00 am to 09:00 am in a fasting state to measure serum cortisol and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.
Result:
Of 91 patients, 54, 26, and 11 had mild, moderate, and severe disease respectively. Median values of serum cortisol (p=0.057) and plasma ACTH (p=0.910) were statistically similar among the severity groups. Considering cortisol cut-off of 276 nmol/L (<10 μg/dL), the highest percent of adrenal insufficiency was present in severe (27.3%), followed by mild (25.9%) and least in moderate (3.8%) COVID-19 cases. Using the cortisol/ACTH ratio >15, only 6.6% had enough reserve.
Conclusions
The adrenocortical response was compromised in a significant percentage of noncritically ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19, which is unrelated to infection severity, with greater percentages present in severely infected cases.
Hydrocortisone
;
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
;
SARS-CoV-2
;
COVID-19
8.Efficacy and feasibility of catheter-based adrenal ablation on Cushing's syndrome associated hypertension.
Zhen Cheng YAN ; Nan JIANG ; He Xuan ZHANG ; Qing ZHOU ; Xiao Li LIU ; Fang SUN ; Ruo Mei YANG ; Hong Bo HE ; Zhi Gang ZHAO ; Zhi Ming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2023;51(11):1152-1159
Objective: To explore the value of catheter-based adrenal ablation in treating Cushing's syndrome (CS)-associated hypertension. Methods: A clinical study was conducted in patients with CS, who received catheter-based adrenal ablation between March 2018 and July 2023 in Daping Hospital. Parameters monitored were blood pressure (outpatient and 24-hour ambulatory), body weight, clinical characteristics, serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at 8 am, 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 h UFC), fasting blood glucose and postoperative complications. Procedure effectiveness was defined as blood pressure returning to normal levels (systolic blood pressure<140 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and diastolic blood pressure<90 mmHg), cortisol and 24 h UFC returning to normal and improvement of clinical characteristics. The parameters were monitored during follow up in the outpatient department at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after catheter-based adrenal ablation. Results: A total of 12 patients (aged (40.0±13.2) years) were reviewed. There were 5 males, with 5 cases of adenoma and 7 with hyperplasia from imaging studies. Catheter-based adrenal ablation was successful in all without interruption or surgical conversion. No postoperative complication including bleeding, puncture site infection, adrenal artery rupture or adrenal bleeding was observed. The mean follow up was 28 months. Compared to baseline values, body weight declined to (59.48±11.65) kg from (64.81±10.75) kg (P=0.008), fasting blood glucose declined to (4.54±0.83) mmol from (5.53±0.99) mmol (P=0.044), outpatient systolic blood pressure declined to (128±21) mmHg from (140±19) mmHg (P=0.005), diastolic blood pressure declined to (78±10) mmHg from (86±11) mmHg (P=0.041), and the mean ambulatory daytime diastolic blood pressure declined to (79±12) mmHg from (89±8) mmHg (P=0.034). Catheter-based adrenal ablation in 8 patients was defined as effective with their 24 h UFC significantly reduced after the procedure (1 338.41±448.06) mmol/L from (633.66±315.94) mmol/L, P=0.011). The change of 24 h UFC between the effective treatment group and ineffective group was statistically significant (P=0.020). The postoperative systolic blood pressure in the treated adenoma group was significantly lower than those of hyperplasia group (112±13) mmHg vs. (139±20) mmHg, P=0.026). Conclusions: For patients with CS-associated hypertension who are unwilling or unable to undergo surgical treatment, catheter-based adrenal ablation could improve the blood pressure and cortisol level. Catheter-based adrenal ablation could be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapy. However, our results still need to be validated in further large-scale studies.
Male
;
Humans
;
Cushing Syndrome/complications*
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Adrenal Gland Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Feasibility Studies
;
Blood Glucose
;
Hyperplasia/complications*
;
Hypertension/complications*
;
Adenoma/complications*
;
Body Weight
;
Catheters/adverse effects*
9.Comparison of coagulation function between adrenocorticotropic hormone independent Cushing syndrome and nonfunctional adrenal adenoma and its influence factors.
Wei WANG ; Jia Ning WANG ; Wei YU ; Sai Nan ZHU ; Ying GAO ; Jun Qing ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2023;55(6):1062-1067
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the coagulation function indicators and identify influence factors of hypercoagulability in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) independent Cushing syndrome (CS).
METHODS:
In our retrospective study, the electronic medical records system of Peking University First Hospital was searched for the patients diagnosed with ACTH independent CS on discharge from January 2014 to June 2019. Nonfunctional adrenal adenoma patients were chosen as control group and matched 1 ∶1 by body mass index (BMI), gender, and discharge date. Clinical features and coagulation function indicators were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
In the study, 171 patients were included in each group. Compared with control group, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and prothrombin time (PT) in ACTH independent CS group were significantly lower [(29.22±3.39) s vs. (31.86±3.63) s, P < 0.001; (29.22±3.39) s vs. (31.86±3.63) s, P < 0.001], and both D-dimer and fibrin degradation products (FDP) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Percentage of APTT levels under the lower limit of reference range in the CS patients was significantly higher than that in nonfunctional group (21.6% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001). Percentage of D-dimer levels over the upper limit of reference range in the CS patients was significantly higher than that in nonfunctional group (13.5% vs. 6.6%, P=0.041). There were three patients with deep venous thrombosis and one patient with pulmonary embolism in CS group, however none was in control group. The area under curve (AUC) of serum cortisol rhythm (8:00, 16:00 and 24:00) levels was negatively associated with the levels of PT (r=-0.315, P < 0.001) and APTT (r=-0.410, P < 0.001), and positively associated with FDP (r=0.303, P < 0.001) and D-dimer levels (r=0.258, P < 0.001). There were no differences in coagulation function indicators among different histopathologic subgroups (adrenocortical adenoma, adrenocortical hyperplasia, oncocytic adenoma, adrenocortical carcinoma). With Logistic regression analysis, the AUC of cortisol and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were independent risk factors for hypercoagulability in the ACTH independent CS patients (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
ACTH independent CS patients were more likely in hypercoagulable state compared with nonfunctional adrenal adenoma, especially in ACTH independent CS patients with higher levels of cortisol AUC and HbA1c. These patients should be paid attention to for the hypercoagulability and thrombosis risk.
Humans
;
Cushing Syndrome/complications*
;
Adrenocortical Adenoma/complications*
;
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Glycated Hemoglobin
;
Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/diagnosis*
;
Adenoma/diagnosis*
;
Thrombophilia/complications*
10.Clinical effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplantation combined with nutritional support and psychological intervention in patients with "Tetralogy of Tongji".
Zhi Liang LIN ; Ju Bao LU ; Qi Yi CHEN ; Jia Qu CUI ; Chen YE ; Hong Liang TIAN ; Huan Long QIN ; Ning LI
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2022;25(9):784-791
Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) combined with nutritional support and psychotherapy in patients with "Tetralogy of Tongji" (comprising chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction, mental and psychological disorders, malnutrition, and endocrine disorders). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients were under 70 years of age; (2) patients exhibited chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction (in accordance with the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome ie. chronic functional constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abdominal distention) with onset occurring more than one year previously; (3) patients exhibited malnutrition (body mass index ≤ 18.5 kg/m2); (4) patients exhibited depression, anxiety, or state as diagnosed by a psychologist using the Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) and the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD); (5) patients were women of childbearing age with amenorrhea or menstrual disorder with a duration ≥6 months. Patients were excluded if they exhibited gastrointestinal bleeding, short bowel syndrome, radiation-induced intestinal injury, intestinal obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent/metastatic tumors, systemic infectious diseases, life-threatening systemic comorbidities, intorlerate to nasojejunal, percutaneous gastrostomy / jejunostomy or FMT. The clinical data of 43 patients at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital exhibiting the "Tetralogy of Tongji" and who received microflora transplantation combined with nutritional support and psychotherapy from June 2017 to June 2021 was prospectively collected. There were 12 males and 31 females with a mean age of 35.2±16.7 years. All 43 patients had chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction. Of these, 24 patients had depression and 19 had anxiety. There were 26 women of reproductive age, including 13 cases of menstrual disorder and 9 cases of amenorrhea. The treatment intervention was a combination of FMT (microflora solution or microflora capsule), nutritional support (enteral nutrition) and psychological intervention. The following were assessed before treatment and 1, 3, 6 months after treatment: (1) gastrointestinal function was assessed using the gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale (GSRS), where a higher score is indicative of more serious gastrointestinal symptoms, and the gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI), where a higher score is indicative of higher quality of life; (2) psychological status was assessed using HAMA and HAMD scores, where a lower score is indicative of reduced severity of anxiety or depression symptoms, respectively; (3) nutritional status was assessed by measurements of total blood protein, albumin, fibrinogen and prealbumin, as well as measurements of body mass and body mass index (BMI); (4) neuroendocrine function was assessed by measurement of blood levels of cortisol, dopamine and noradrenaline, as well as menstruation in women of reproductive age. Results: The follow-up rates at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment were 90.7% (39/43), 72.1% (31/43) and 55.8% (24/43), respectively. The total effective rate for chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction was 81.4% (35/43), of which the average GSRS score decreased from 29.35±3.56 before treatment to 18.25±2.56 in the sixth month (P<0.001). The average GIQLI score increased from 56.23±10.34 before treatment to 91.04±20.39 in the sixth month (P<0.001). All patients had malnutrition before treatment. After 6 months, their body weight had increased from 40.61±8.88 kg to 50.45±6.23 kg (P<0.001), and BMI had increased from 15.17±1.87 kg/m2 to 19.58±1.42 kg/m2 (P<0.001). The average total protein level was 60.99± 5.99 g/L before treatment. After 6 months, this had increased to 64.21±4.23 g/L (F=2.715, P=0.022). The average prealbumin level increased from 150.14±56.04 mg/L before treatment to 258.17±86.94 mg/L after 6 months (F=15.124, P<0.001). In this study, 24 patients with depression/depressed state were included. After treatment, the average HAMD score in these patients decreased from 22.79±6.63 before treatment to 9.92±7.24 after 6 months (P<0.001). There were 19 patients with anxiety disorder/anxiety state. After treatment, the average HAMA score in these patients decreased from 17.15±4.34 before treatment to 7.73±4.10 after 6 months (P<0.001). Observing the endocrine efficacy of 26 women of childbearing age, it was found that the effective rate of this treatment on endocrine regulation was 69.2% (18/26). Although there was no significant change in blood cortisol levels after 6 months, average blood dopamine levels decreased from 32.91±10.65 nmol/L before treatment to 13.02±5.58 nmol/L after 6 months (P<0.001). Average blood norepinephrine levels decreased from 49.75±15.23 ng/L before treatment to 19.21±9.58 ng/L after 6 months (P<0.001). Conclusion: The strategy of FMT combined with nutritional support and psychological intervention is effective in improving the symptoms of the "Tetralogy of Tongji".
Adolescent
;
Adult
;
Amenorrhea
;
China
;
Constipation
;
Dopamine
;
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
;
Female
;
Fibrinogen
;
Gastrointestinal Diseases
;
Humans
;
Hydrocortisone
;
Infant
;
Longitudinal Studies
;
Male
;
Malnutrition
;
Middle Aged
;
Norepinephrine
;
Nutritional Support
;
Prealbumin
;
Psychosocial Intervention
;
Quality of Life
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Young Adult


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