M. Wichers et al., How hydrocortisone substitution influences the quality of life and the bone metabolism of patients with secondary hypocortisolism, EUR J CL IN, 30, 2000, pp. 55-57
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology","Medical Research General Topics
Background Even in the setting of chronic glucocorticoid substitution in hy
pocortisolaemic patients, severe side-effects will eventually occur when th
e dosage is inappropriately high. This study evaluates the effect of usual
hydrocortisone substitution dosages on the well-being of the patients and o
n parameters of the bone metabolism to establish an optimum substitution do
sage.
Design In a double blind study nine patients with secondary hypocortisolism
, bring divided in three groups of three, received different doages of hydr
ocortisone (15, 20, 30 mg per day). Well-being was assessed using three dif
ferent, validated questionnaires. Markers of bone metabolism were measured
in blood and urine.
Results The patients' quality of life was not impaired even at low dosages
of hydrocortisone (15 or 20 mg per day). Of all laboratory parameters only
osteocalcin significantly changed, decreasing at higher dosages.
Conclusions Our study shows that a risk of bone loss may be avoided with a
substitution dosage of 20 mg or even 15 mg hydrocortisone per day, without
influencing the well-being of the patient.