Primary aldosteronism treated by trilostane (3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor)

The practicability and tolerability of trilostane, a competitive inhibitor of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid-delta 5-dehydrogenase, for the therapy of primary aldosteronism was assessed in 1 patient with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and 3 subjects with idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia (IHA). Trilostane afforded reduction of plasma levels of aldosterone, progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, 17-OH progesterone, cortisol, delta 4-androstenedione, and urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid. Conversely, circulating levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids were increased following this drug therapy. Suppression of mineralo- or glucocorticoid biosynthesis was accompanied by an increase in plasma renin activity. One patient with APA or 3 subjects with IHA showed slight or remarkable improvement of hypertension and hypokalemia. Based on these findings, efficacy and tolerability of trilostane appear to aid in the treatment of IHA.