Predisposing factors for adrenal crisis in chronic adrenal insufficiency: a case-control study

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify susceptibility markers for adrenal crises (AC) in educated patients with chronic adrenal insufficiency (AI).

Design: A case-control study involving 66 patients with AI analyzing the impact of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid exposure, adrenomedullary function, inflammatory parameters, and educational status on AC frequency. Patients were categorized into low (n = 32) and high (n = 34) AC frequency groups based on AC occurrence (below or 2 times above the average of the reported AC frequency of 8.3 AC/100 patient-years in a previous prospective study).

Methods: Parameters, including cortisol plasma profile and urinary steroid excretion after administration of the morning glucocorticoid dose, 24-h urinary steroid profiling, salivary cortisol profiling, and hair cortisol, estimated cortisol exposure. Polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP]) of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) and mineralocorticoid receptor (NR3C2) associated with individual steroid sensitivity were assessed together with SNPs for 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2). Mineralocorticoid replacement was evaluated by serum and urinary electrolytes and osmolality, plasma-renin concentration, and ambulatory blood pressure levels. We additionally measured plasma and urinary catecholamines, serum levels of IL6 and hsCRP, and SNPs of IL6 and TNF-alpha. Patient knowledge of AC prevention was assessed by questionnaires.

Results: Frequent AC patients had higher daily glucocorticoid doses and hair cortisol levels, with no significant differences in other parameters investigated. AC frequency is inversely correlated with the frequency of self-reported adjustments of the glucocorticoid replacement.

Conclusion: Higher glucocorticoid dosages in high-risk patients, despite unaffected cortisol metabolism, may be linked to decreased cortisol sensitivity or impaired glucocorticoid absorption. Proactive dose adjustments show a protective effect against AC, regardless of biological vulnerability.

Keywords: adrenal crises; glucocorticoid sensitivity; prevention; susceptibility.