Adrenal suppression from exogenous glucocorticoids: Recognizing risk factors and preventing morbidity

Alexandra Ahmet; Anne Rowan-Legg; Larry Pancer

doi:10.1093/pch/pxab015

Adrenal suppression from exogenous glucocorticoids: Recognizing risk factors and preventing morbidity

Paediatr Child Health. 2021 Jun 11;26(4):242-254. doi: 10.1093/pch/pxab015. eCollection 2021 Jul.

[Article in English, French]

Authors

Alexandra Ahmet¹, Anne Rowan-Legg¹, Larry Pancer¹

Affiliation

¹ Canadian Paediatric Society, Community Paediatrics Committee and Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Adrenal suppression (AS), a potential side effect of glucocorticoid therapy (including inhaled corticosteroids), can be associated with significant morbidity and even death. In Canada, adrenal crisis secondary to AS continues to be reported in children. Being aware of symptoms associated with AS, understanding the risk factors for developing this condition, and familiarity with potential strategies to reduce risks associated with AS, are essential starting points for any clinician prescribing glucocorticoids.

Keywords: Adrenal insufficiency; Adrenal suppression; Glucocorticoids; Inhaled corticosteroids.

© Canadian Paediatric Society 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Canadian Paediatric Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Publication types

Review