Z. Barrou et al., MEASUREMENT OF SALIVARY CORTISOL - AN INT ERESTING METHOD FOR EXPLORING ADRENAL SECRETION, La Presse medicale, 26(7), 1997, pp. 329-331
An interesting method for patients and physicians: Measurement of sali
vary cortisol has not modified the investigation of hospitalized patie
nts but offers very original possibilities for exploring outpatients.
Repeat measurements and stimulation tests: As for serum cortisol level
s, repeat measurements or stimulation tests are required for reliable
evaluation of salivary cortisol. Several applications: Salivary cortis
ol level can be an appropriate tool in screening for adrenal insuffici
ency, using the short ACTH injection test, evaluating hypercorticism t
hrough the circadian cycle of cortisol and overnight dexamethasone sup
pression test either at the physician's office or in the patient's hom
e. In addition, long-term follow-up is possible for outpatients invest
igated or treated for Cushing's syndrome.