Algorithm for Screening of Adrenal Function in Stable Patients with Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is common in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to assess the presence of AI in stable patients with cirrhosis using the gold-standard insulin tolerance test (ITT) and to propose an algorithm for screening AI in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 40 stable patients with cirrhosis. We determined the basal total (BTC) and peak cortisol (PTC) levels. Using the ITT, we defined AI as a serum PTC < 18 μg/dL at 30 min after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of BTC in different stages of liver disease to discriminate between those with NAF and AI.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients, 24 (60%) presented with AI. Child-Pugh and MELD scores differed between the NAF and AI groups (Child-Pugh: NAF 7.2 ± 1.7 vs. AI 8.8 ± 2.4, p = 0.024 and MELD: NAF 9.9 ± 2.5 vs. AI 14.9 ± 6.3, p = 0.001). The BTC level was lower in patients with AI than in those with NAF (7.2 ± 2.4 vs. 12.5 ± 5.2, p < 0.001). A BTC value ≤ 10.0 μg/dL had a 96% sensitivity (negative predictive value: 90%) for identifying AI. This cutoff value (BTC ≤ 10.0 μg/dL) provided 100% specificity (positive predictive value: 100%) in patients with advanced liver disease (Child-Pugh ≥ 9 or MELD ≥ 12).

CONCLUSION

An algorithm including the use of BTC and the severity of liver disease may be a useful and simple method for assessing adrenal function in stable patients with cirrhosis.