The long-term predictive accuracy of the short synacthen (corticotropin) stimulation test for assessment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Journal article

CONTEXT: The high-dose short Synacthen (corticotropin) test (SST) is widely used to investigate suspected secondary adrenal insufficiency, but concern remains about falsely reassuring results. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the long-term safety of the SST. METHOD: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcome in 178 patients who achieved 30-min cortisol values in the lowest 15th percentile of normal healthy responses. Thirty patients were later excluded because of missing case ...

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Authors: Agha, A; Tomlinson, J; Clark, P; Holder, G; Stewart, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism
• Volume: 91
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 43-47
• Publication date: 2006-01-01
• DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-1131
• EISSN: 1945-7197
• ISSN: 0021-972X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Adolescent; Pituitary Function Tests; False Negative Reactions; Pregnancy; Humans; Treatment Outcome; Predictive Value of Tests; Middle Aged; Aged; Hypophysectomy; Hydrocortisone; Female; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Male; Adrenal Insufficiency; Pituitary-Adrenal Function Tests; Infarction; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary Neoplasms; Follow-Up Studies; Adenoma; Retrospective Studies; Adult; Pituitary Diseases; Empty Sella Syndrome; Aged, 80 and over