Adrenal Dysfunction in Outpatients with Decompensated Cirrhosis: Impairment in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The pathogenesis of adrenal dysfunction (AD) in cirrhosis is incompletely understood. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of cirrhosis on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) functionality in stable outpatients with decompensated disease.

Methods

Outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis were prospectively recruited at a transplant center. Biomarkers reflective of HPA activity, glucocorticoid synthesis, cholesterol metabolism, systemic neurohormonal activity, and the immune system were measured prior to administration of a standard-dose adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Adrenal dysfunction was defined as an increase in serum total cortisol level (delta TC) of < 9 µg/dL. Patients were followed for up to 12 months for assessment o

SUBMITTER: Wentworth BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12689686 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature