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Mortality in patients with adrenal insufficiency: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Francesca Allosso1, Konstantinos Dalakas2,3, Ragnhildur Bergthorsdottir2,3
1Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
Introduction:
Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare disorder characterised by an impaired secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands. Treatment strategies for AI have developed over time with reduced glucocorticoid replacement doses and improved circadian exposure regimens, but whether this has resulted in better survival is unknown. The main purpose of this systematic review is to gather and synthesise available evidence on long-term mortality in patients with AI. The secondary aim is to study causes of death, with focus on cardiovascular and infectious diseases, in AI patients.
Methods And Analysis:
Studies published from the inception of respective databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science) until the end of May 2023 will be systematically synthetised. Observational studies with a reference population will be included, and their quality will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data collected will be narratively integrated and a meta-analysis will be performed to pool data from studies considered homogeneous. The systematic review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This will be the first systematic review assessing mortality and causes of death in AI patients. The findings of this systematic review will be of value for both patients and healthcare providers.
Ethics And Dissemination:
This systematic review does not require ethical approval or informed consent because it will be based on previously published data only and does not implicate any direct contact with individual patients. The research results will be presented at scientific conferences and submitted for publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Prospero Registration Number:
CRD42023416253.
Insights
This systematic review examines long-term mortality in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). It synthesizes evidence on survival rates and causes of death, including cardiovascular and infectious diseases, to inform patient care.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare endocrine disorder affecting glucocorticoid secretion.
- Current AI treatment focuses on optimized glucocorticoid replacement and circadian rhythms.
- The impact of modern AI treatments on patient survival remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on long-term mortality in patients with adrenal insufficiency.
- To investigate specific causes of death, particularly cardiovascular and infectious diseases, in the AI population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases until May 2023.
- Inclusion of observational studies with a reference population, assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
- Narrative data integration and meta-analysis for homogeneous studies, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- This section is to be populated upon study completion.
Conclusions:
- This systematic review will provide valuable insights into mortality patterns in adrenal insufficiency.
- Findings will aid healthcare providers in optimizing patient management and care strategies.
- The study aims to be the first comprehensive assessment of mortality and its causes in AI patients.
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