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Moeten we Cedric reanimeren ? – Bruce H.R. Wolffenbuttel

Continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion versus oral hydrocortisone replacement for treatment of addison’s disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Oksnes M, Björnsdottir S, Isaksson M, Methlie P, Carlsen S, Nilsen RM, Broman JE, Triebner K, Kämpe O, Hulting AL, Bensing S, Husebye ES, Løvås K.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May;99(5):1665-74.

Abstract
CONTEXT:
Conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy fails to mimic the physiological cortisol rhythm, which may have implications for morbidity and mortality in patients with Addison’s disease.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the study was to compare the effects of continuous sc hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) with conventional oral hydrocortisone (OHC) replacement therapy.
DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS:
This was a prospective crossover, randomized, multicenter clinical trial comparing 3 months of treatment with thrice-daily OHC vs CSHI. From Norway and Sweden, 33 patients were enrolled from registries and clinics. All patients were assessed at baseline and after 8 and 12 weeks in each treatment arm.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The morning ACTH level was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were effects on metabolism, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sleep, and safety.
RESULTS:
CSHI yielded normalization of morning ACTH and cortisol levels, and 24-hour salivary cortisol curves resembled the normal circadian variation. Urinary concentrations of glucocorticoid metabolites displayed a normal pattern with CSHI but were clearly altered with OHC. Several HRQoL indices in the vitality domain improved over time with CSHI. No benefit was found for either treatments for any subjective (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire) or objective (actigraphy) sleep parameters.
CONCLUSION:
CSHI safely brought ACTH and cortisol toward normal circadian levels without adversely affecting glucocorticoid metabolism in the way that OHC did. Positive effects on HRQoL were noted with CSHI, indicating that physiological glucocorticoid replacement therapy may be beneficial and that CSHI might become a treatment option for patients poorly controlled on conventional therapy.

PMID: 24517155

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Management of adrenocortical insufficiency with continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion: long-term experience in three patients.

Khanna A, Khurana R, Kyriacou A, Davies R, Ray DW.

Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2015;2015:150005.

Abstract
To assess continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion (CSHI) in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency (AI) and difficulties with oral replacement. Three patients with AI and frequent hospital admissions attributed to adrenal crises were treated with CSHI, which was delivered via a continuous subcutaneous infusion. All three patients preferred CSHI and remained on it long term, which permitted prolonged follow-up analysis. All three patients reported symptomatic improvement, and in two cases, reduced hospital admission rates and inpatient stay lengths were observed. The cost of hospital admissions and overall treatment was reduced in all cases. CSHI offers a practical and acceptable alternative to oral replacement in a subset of patients with AI. The cost of initiating and maintaining the pump is offset in the long term by reduced frequency and duration of emergency admissions. CSHI can therefore be considered in a select group of patients who are resistant to treatment with conventional oral glucocorticoids.
LEARNING POINTS:
Continuous subcutaneous infusion of cortisol is a viable alternative in patients unable to take oral steroids.Patient acceptability was high, with three out of three patients preferring to remain on pump treatment.Hospital admissions were reduced in response to pump therapy, which compensated for the increased treatment cost.The daily dosage of hydrocortisone can be reduced by using pump therapy.

PMID: 26124953

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Successful use of continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion after bilateral adrenalectomy secondary to bilateral pheochromocytoma.

Broussard JR, Mitre N.

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jul;28(7-8):947-9.

Abstract
We report the use of continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion in an adolescent patient with primary adrenal insufficiency. This novel hydrocortisone delivery method proved to be a feasible, well-tolerated and safe option for selected patients with poor response to conventional therapy.

PMID: 25781534. DOI:     10.1515/jpem-2014-0473