Glucocorticoid induced adrenal suppression in the UK and Ireland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Symptomatic glucocorticoid induced adrenal suppression in the United Kingdom and Ireland
IRAS ID
254207
Contact name
Tim Cheetham
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Glucocorticoids (GC) are steroid hormones made by the adrenal glands that sit above the kidneys. Natural GCs are essential to keep the body working normally and to deal with the stress of trauma and infections.
GC medication is frequently used to treat diseases in children. GC medication can be applied to the skin, inhaled or swallowed as part of the treatment of many conditions such as eczema, asthma or arthritis. If the body absorbs large amounts of GC medication, then this can prevent the person from making natural GC. This inability to produce natural GC normally is called adrenal suppression (AS).
AS is a particular concern at the time of infection when extra natural GC would normally be produced by the body as part of the stress response. If additional GC is not administered at such times in patients with AS then they can become unwell with symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, low glucose and altered consciousness. This is referred to as an adrenal crisis and can be fatal. Health professionals and patients do not always remember that GC medicine can prevent natural GC production and that additional GC may be needed when someone is unwell. This inability to make natural GC normally can persist if someone has recently stopped GC medicine. We intend to look at how common it is for children to present unwell at hospital because of AS. This will help us to develop ways of preventing adrenal crises and manage patients more effectively and safely.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0627
Date of REC Opinion
9 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion