Adrenocortical Function in Patients on Long-Term Corticosteroid Treatment

Summary

Five patients with rheumatoid arthritis and one with bronchial asthma on long-term corticosteroid treatment were changed over to an equivalent dose of Dexamethasone. Two tests on adrenal function were made with synthetic ACTH (Synacthen) in depot and non-depot form. There was good correlation between the results within each individual, as well as three patients in whom a Vasopressin test was made. On the other hand, there was no general agreement between the degree of elevation of plasma cortisol and the duration of disease or treatment, both as daily and total dose of corticosteroids. The effect on plasma cortisol of the depot Synacthen lasted for more than 36 hours in two cases. No allergic reactions were observed.