Block 4: Adrenal Disorders Flashcards
What is secreted in the adrenal cortex?
Glucocorticoids: cortisol, anti-inflammatory, can be replaced by any steroid
Mineralocorticoids: aldosterone, cortisol, regulated RAAS to maintain water and electrolyte balance, replaced by fludrocortisone
Androgens: androgen release is regulated by a negative feedback loop
What are the prohormones?
- Prednisone -> prednisolone
- Cortisone -> cortisol
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Endogenous overproduction: the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol
Exogenous administration: steroids are taken in high doses AND the amount of cortisol is higher than what would have been produced naturally
What are the sx of cushings?
- Obesity
- Buffalo hump
- Moon face
- Red to purple striae usually on the lower abdomen
- HTN
- Glucose intolerance
Central obesity, HTN and glucose intolerance are components of metabolic syndrome and can ↑ risk of CHD and stroke 3 X
What are the steps of diagnosing Cushings?
Establishing presence of hypercortisolism:
* 24-hour urine free cortisol
* midnight plasma cortisol
* late-night salivary cortisol
* low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST)
Differenctiating between etiologies
Can’t determine cause so additional tests and procedures must be done
What are the tx goal of cushings?
- Limit morbidity and mortality
- Return the patient to a normal functional state
Tx of cushings?
- surgical resection
- Pharmacologic agents are available as secondary treatment options, if needed
How do you monitor Cushings?
Urinary free cortisol and steroid production
What are the steroidogenesis inhibitors?
Inhibits cortisol synthesis:
1. Metyrapone (Metopirone)
2. Ketoconazole
3. Levoketoconazole (Recorlev)
4. Osilodrostat (Isturisa)
5. Mitotane
6. Etomidate
Metyrapone
Brand, ADR, PiT, Admin
Meropirone
ADR: HTN, N/V, vertigo, headache, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, allergic rash
PiT: Second line choice in women due to hirsutism, Has been used in pregnancy
Admin: Take with food /milk to minimize GI upset
Ketoconazole
ADR, PiT, Admin
ADR: reversible elevation of hepatic transaminases, gynecomastia, low testosterone levels , GI upset
PiT:
* Highly effective in lowering cortisol in Cushing’s Disease
* Second line choice in men due to gynecomastia and hypogonadism
* Avoid in pregnant women due to risk of fetal harm
Admin: Take 2 hours before antacids; may take with sodas if have achlorhydria
Levoketoconazole
Brand, ADR, PiT, Admin
Recorlev
ADR: increased hepatic enzymes, GI upset, HYPOkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias
PiT:
* Avoid in patients with significant hepatic impairment
* Avoid in patients with QT prolongation
* NOT approved for treatment of fungal infections
Admin: Take with or without food
Osilodrostat
Brand, ADR, PiT, Admin
Isturisa
ADR: GI upset, HYPOkalemia, HTN, edema, cardiac arrhythmias, headache, cardiac arrhythmias, increased testosterone levels
PiT: Similar to all other steroidogenesis inhibitors
Admin: Take with or without food
Mitotane
ADR, PiT, Admin
ADR: N/V/diarrhea, lethargy, and somnolence
* Serious: Adrenal crisis, CNS toxicity, ovarian macrocysts
PiT: Rarely used and must be avoided in women who want to become pregnant in the next 5 years
Admin: Gradually increase dose and/or take with food to help with N/V/diarrhea
Etomidate
ADR, PiT, Admin
ADR: Sedation
PiT: Severe hypercortisolism in crit patients
Admin: IV in a monitoried ICU setting
Cabergoline
MOA, ADR, PiT, Admin
MOA: Dopamine agonist
ADR: CNS and GI
PiT:
* Avoid in lactating women due to suppression of prolactin
* Avoid in patients with uncontrolled HTN
Admin: Take with food/milk to minimize GI upset
Pasireotide
Brand, MOA, ADR, PiT, Admin
Signifor
MOA: Somatostatin analog
ADR: GI, malabsorption of fat, fart
PiT: Usually used in patients who have failed other therapies
Admin: SQ