Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Adrenal function in thalassemia major adolescents
Heba H Elsedfy1, M El Kholy, R T Hamza
1Paediatrics Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. hebased@yahoo.com
Background:
Several studies reported a significant prevalence of adrenal insufficiency, ranging from 18-45%, in patients with thalassemia. Evidence for dissociation of cortisol and adrenal androgen secretion in patients with beta-thalassemia was previously reported.
Aim:
We measured adrenal androgen response along with cortisol to the standard (250 mg) dose ACTH test.
Methods:
Forty five beta-thalassemia major (TM) patients were enrolled. Their ages ranged between 12 and 20 years (14.9 ± 2.2 years). All patients underwent the 250 mg cosyntropin test in the morning before blood transfusion. Blood samples for total cortisol, dehdroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstendione (A) measurements were collected before and 60 min after IV injection of 250 mg cosyntropin. Adrenal insufficiency was observed in 7 of 45 (15.5%) patients. Adrenal androgen levels decreased significantly with advancing Tanner stage. No difference was noted between patients with and without adrenal insufficiency regarding anthropometric and laboratory parameters.
Conclusion:
Adrenal insufficiency is not a rare complication in thalassemia. Adrenal androgen production declines with advancing puberty in thalassemic adolescents and might explain the poor development of pubic and axillary hair observed in this condition.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

