J Perinatol. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-01996-2. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether random cortisol levels obtained in neonates to assess for secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI) after prolonged steroid exposure are predictive of central AI.
STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected on neonates born 2017-2022 who received ≥10 consecutive days of systemic steroids and had cortisol measured thereafter. Data were then collected on whether those neonates developed signs of AI or had a failed adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test.
RESULTS: Of the 71 cortisol levels (in 67 neonates) that were analyzed, there was no difference in cortisol levels between neonates who developed AI (median cortisol level of 6.5 mcg/dl) and those who did not (median of 9.2 mcg/dl), or between those who failed their ACTH stimulation test or passed it, using Wilcoxon ranked sum tests.
CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that cortisol levels may not be helpful in identifying AI in neonates exposed to prolonged steroids.
PMID:38769337 | DOI:10.1038/s41372-024-01996-2
