Adrenal Insufficiency in Cirrhosis Patients: Evaluation of 108 Case Series

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) in cirrhosis is an issue that has recently gained momentum. It can be seen in both stable and critically ill (sepsis, septic shock, and gastrointestinal system bleeding) cirrhotic patients. Its prevalence exists in a wide range since standardization of diagnostic methods is lacking. We aimed to scrutinize this issue in a 108 case series.

We studied the presence of AI and its stage in patients with cirrhosis and its complications by using cross-sectional study. Standard-dose short synacthen test (SD-SST) was performed in 108 patients that had Child C decompensated cirrhosis without critical illness and it was aimed to determine the prevalence of AI based on basal cortisol, peak cortisol, and delta cortisol (basal total cortisol minus peak cortisol after stimulation) levels.

The prevalence of AI in cirrhosis was found to be 25% based on basal cortisol level of <140 nmol/L, 22.2% based on delta cortisol level of <250 nmol/L, and 29.6% based on peak cortisol level of <500 nmol/L.

Prevalence of AI shows variation in decompensated cirrhosis without critical illness depending on different measures used. More definite results can be obtained when more standardized criteria are widely put into use.How to cite this article: Rakici H. Adrenal Insufficiency in Cirrhosis Patients: Evaluation of 108 Case Series. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):150-153.