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  • Title: Frequency and Duration of Adrenal Suppression Following Glucocorticoid Therapy in Children With Rheumatic Diseases.
    Author: Ahmet A, Brienza V, Tran A, Lemieux J, Aglipay M, Barrowman N, Duffy C, Roth J, Jurencak R.
    Journal: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken); 2017 Aug; 69(8):1224-1230. PubMed ID: 27723273.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: Adrenal suppression (AS), a glucocorticoid (GC) side effect with potentially significant morbidity, is poorly understood. The purpose of our study was to determine frequency, duration, and predictors of AS following a gradual taper of GC in children with rheumatic conditions. METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted. All patients ages ≤16 years ready to discontinue GC after >4 weeks of therapy were included. Morning cortisol was tested 4 weeks after GC taper to physiologic doses and then repeatedly until normalization. GCs were subsequently discontinued and a low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test was performed. RESULTS: The study was completed by 31 of 39 patients. The median age was 12.9 years and median duration of GC therapy was 39.6 weeks. Seventeen patients (54.8%) had AS. Of the patients with AS, 50% showed recovery by 7 months. Two patients had persistent AS at 12 months and 1 patient at 2 years. A higher maximum GC dose was a significant predictor for the development of AS. CONCLUSION: More than 50% of our patients had AS after GC discontinuation, despite a gradual taper of GC. Stress steroids should be considered in children treated with long-term GC, even after steroid discontinuation, to prevent possible adrenal crisis.
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