COVID-19 pandemic and adrenals: deep insights and implications in patients with glucocorticoid disorders

Purpose Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has spread throughout the world. It was initially defined as a potentially severe syndrome affecting the respiratory tract, but it has since been shown to be a systemic disease with relevant extrapulmonary manifestations that increase mortality. The endocrine system has been found to be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. The current review aims to evaluate the available data on the impact of COVID-19 infection and treatment, as well as COVID-19 vaccines, on adrenal gland function, particularly in patients with GC disorders. Methods A thorough search of published peer-reviewed studies in PubMed was performed using proper keywords. Results Adrenal viral tropism and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in the adrenal glands have been demonstrated, and adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a rare, but potentially severe complication in COVID-19 disease, whose recognition can be difficult if only for the empirical treatments administered in the early stages. Glucocorticoid (GC) treatment have had a pivotal role in preventing clinical deterioration in patients with COVID-19, but long-term GC use may increase COVID-19-related mortality and the development of iatrogenic AI. Patients with GC disorders, especially AI and Cushing’s syndrome, have been identified as being at high risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Published evidence suggests that AI patient awareness and proper education may help adjust GC replacement therapy appropriately when necessary, thereby reducing COVID-19 severity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on AI management, particularly in terms of adherence to patients’ care plans and self-perceived challenges. On the other hand, published evidence suggests that the clinical course of COVID-19 may be affected by the severity of hypercortisolism in patients with CS. Therefore, to ameliorate the risk profile in these patients, cortisol levels should be adequately controlled, along with careful monitoring of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. To date, the COVID-19 vaccine remains the only available tool to face SARS-CoV-2, and it should not be treated differently in patients with AI and CS. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 infection has been linked to adrenal damage and AI is a rare complication in COVID-19 disease, requiring prompt recognition. Educational efforts and patient awareness may reduce COVID-19 severity in patients with AI. Control of cortisol levels and monitoring of complications may improve the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with CS

Use of glucocorticoids in patients with adrenal insufficiency and COVID-19 infection

In March 2020, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), reached pandemic level with a high global mortality rate. The initial immune response to viral load is followed by an uncontrolled cytokine storm with hyperinflammation and immunosuppression. In the patients who are critically ill, infected alveolar epithelial cells trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines, which activates fibroblasts. Subsequently, uncontrolled viral propagation induces cytotoxicity and hyperactivation of immune cells. The cytokine storm leads to increased clotting, vascular inflammation, thromboembolism, and hypotensive shock. Glucocorticoids have both stimulating and inhibitory effects on the immune response. In the initial phases of an infection, physiological glucocorticoid concentrations help to prime the immune system. In turn, this response activates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis to mild immunosuppression to reduce autoimmunity and cytokine toxicity. In critical illness (eg, COVID-19 pneumonia), HPA activation might be blunted, leading to corticosteroid insufficiency related to critical illness. Patients with adrenal insufficiency have an increased risk of infection due to their depleted innate immunity, characterised by increased monocytes and decreased cytotoxic natural killer cells,which could facilitate the worsening of a SARS-CoV-2 infection into severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Given the role of the HPA axis in stress priming the immune response, patients with adrenal insufficiency are intuitively at high risk of infection, especially as corticosteroid therapy during infection is still largely tailored empirically, often disregarding timing and dosage. The rationale of the more the better avoids risking inadequate concentrations of corticosteroids. In summary, tailoring of glucocorticoid stress regimens in COVID-19 requires a more evidence-based approach. The pathophysiology of immune response and the systemic complications associated with a SARS-CoV-2 infection set the pace, and the protocol should be adapted to the patient's clinical stage

Fixing the broken clock in adrenal disorders: Focus on glucocorticoids and chronotherapy

The circadian rhythm derives from the integration of many signals that shape the expression of clock-related genes in a 24-h cycle. Biological tasks, including cell proliferation, differentiation, energy storage, and immune regulation, are preferentially confined to specific periods. A gating system, supervised by the central and peripheral clocks, coordinates the endogenous and exogenous signals and prepares for transition to activities confined to periods of light or darkness. The fluctuations of cortisol and its receptor are crucial in modulating these signals. Glucocorticoids and the autonomous nervous system act as a bridge between the suprachiasmatic master clock and almost all peripheral clocks. Additional peripheral synchronizing mechanisms including metabolic fluxes and cytokines stabilize the network. The pacemaker is amplified by peaks and troughs in cortisol and their response to food, activity, and inflammation. However, when the glucocorticoid exposure pattern becomes chronically flattened at high- (as in Cushing’s syndrome) or low (as in adrenal insufficiency) levels, the system fails. While endocrinologists are well aware of cortisol rhythm, too little attention has been given to interventions aimed at restoring physiological cortisol fluctuations in adrenal disorders. However, acting on glucocorticoid levels may not be the only way to restore clock-related activities. First, a counterregulatory mechanism on the glucocorticoid receptor itself controls signal transduction, and second, melatonin and/or metabolically active drugs and nutrients could also be used to modulate the clock. All these aspects are described herein, providing some insights into the emerging role of chronopharmacology, focusing on glucocorticoid excess and deficiency disorders. © 2020 Society for Endocrinology Published by Bioscientifica Ltd. Printed in Great Britai

Paediatric Cushing's disease: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical management and outcome.

Cushing's disease (CD) is rare in paediatric practice but requires prompt investigation, diagnosis and therapy to prevent long-term complications. Key presenting features are a change in facial appearance, weight gain, growth failure, virilization, disturbed puberty and psychological disturbance. Close consultation with an adult endocrinology department is recommended regarding diagnosis and therapy. The incidence of CD, a form of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS), is equal to approximately 5% of that seen in adults. The majority of ACTH-secreting adenomas are monoclonal and sporadic, although recent studies of pituitary tumours have shown links to several deubiquitination gene defects. Diagnosis requires confirmation of hypercortisolism followed by demonstration of ACTH-dependence. Identification of the corticotroph adenoma by pituitary MRI and/or bilateral inferior petrosal sampling for ACTH may contribute to localisation before pituitary surgery. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with selective microadenomectomy is first-line therapy, followed by external pituitary irradiation if surgery is not curative. Medical therapy to suppress adrenal steroid synthesis is effective in the short-term and bilateral adrenalectomy should be considered in cases unfit for TSS or radiotherapy or when urgent remission is needed after unsuccessful surgery. TSS induces remission of hypercortisolism and improvement of symptoms in 70-100% of cases, particularly when performed by a surgeon with experience in children. Post-TSS complications include pituitary hormone deficiencies, sub-optimal catch-up growth, and persisting excess of BMI. Recurrence of hypercortisolism following remission is recognised but infrequent, being less common than in adult CD patients. With experienced specialist medical and surgical care, the overall prognosis is good. Early referral to an experienced endocrine centre is advised

Metabolic complications in acromegaly after neurosurgery. A meta-analysis

Objective: Neurosurgery is the first-line treatment for acromegaly. Whether metabolic disorders are reversible after neurosurgery is still debated. The meta-analysis aimed to address the following questions: (i) Does neurosurgery affect glycolipid metabolism? (ii) Are these effects related to disease control or follow-up length? Design: A meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature. Methods: Three reviewers searched databases until August 2019 for prospective trials reporting glycometabolic outcomes after neurosurgery. Three other extracted outcomes, all assessed the risk of bias. Results: Twenty studies were included. Neurosurgery significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (effect size (ES): −0.57 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.31; P < 0.001), glucose load (ES: −1.10 mmol/L, 95% CI: −1.66 to −0.53; P < 0.001), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (ES: −0.28%, 95% CI: −0.42 to −0.14; P < 0.001), fasting plasma insulin (FPI) (ES: −10.53 mU/L, 95% CI: −14.54 to −6.51; P < 0.001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ES: −1.98, 95% CI: −3.24 to −0.72; P = 0.002), triglycerides (TGDs) (ES: −0.28 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.36 to −0.20; P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (LDLC) (ES: −0.23 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.02 mmol/L); P = 0.030) and increased HDL-cholesterol (HDLC) (ES: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.28; P < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis showed that follow-up length - not disease control - had a significant effect on FPG, with the greatest reduction in the shortest follow-up (beta = 0.012, s.e. = 0.003; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Neurosurgery improves metabolism with a significant decrease in FPG, glucose load, HbA1c, FPI, HOMA-IR, TGDs, and LDLC and increase in HDLC. The effect on FPG seems to be more related to follow-up length than to disease control

Bilateral testicular masses and adrenal insufficiency: is congenital adrenal hyperplasia the only possible diagnosis? First two cases of TARTS described in Addison-only X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and a brief review of literature

Background: Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) are benign masses deemed to originate from pluripotent testicular steroidogenic cells that grow under chronic ACTH stimulation. These lesions, occasionally misdiagnosed as Leydig cell tumors (LCTs), are typically described in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disorder of beta-oxidation with accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) in various tissues, and a rare cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). TARTs have never been associated with X-ALD. Case 1 description: A 19-year old male, who had previously undergone bilateral enucleation of presumed LCTs, was referred to our unit. Follow-up scans showed persistent bilateral lesions compatible with TARTs. Biochemical exams revealed PAI but excluded CAH. A serum VLCFAs panel was consistent with X-ALD, with gene testing confirming the diagnosis. Histological revision of the previously resected testicular lesions was compatible with TARTs. Start of glucocorticoid replacement therapy was associated with a reduction of testicular masses. Case 2 description: A 26-year old X-ALD male was diagnosed with bilateral testicular lesions compatible with TARTs. These lesions increased after ACTH elevation following switch to modified-release hydrocortisone. Clinical and sonographic findings allowed for a “watchful-waiting" approach, avoiding unnecessary surgery. Conclusion: These are the first cases reported of TARTs in patients with X-ALD-associated PAI. Testicular lesions in patients with an early onset of ACTH elevation, regardless of the cause, should always be thoughtfully investigated, as they may reveal themselves as TARTs. We suggest that all patients affected from chronic ACTH elevation of a young age of onset should undergo testicular ultrasound in order to evaluate the presence of these lesions. GRT in these patients might also help preserving fertility

Paediatric Cushing’s disease: epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical management and outcome

Cushing’s disease (CD) is rare in paediatric practice but requires prompt investigation, diagnosis and therapy to prevent long-term complications. Key presenting features are a change in facial appearance, weight gain, growth failure, virilization, disturbed puberty and psychological disturbance. Close consultation with an adult endocrinology department is recommended regarding diagnosis and therapy. The incidence of CD, a form of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome (CS), is equal to approximately 5% of that seen in adults. The majority of ACTH-secreting adenomas are monoclonal and sporadic, although recent studies of pituitary tumours have shown links to several deubiquitination gene defects. Diagnosis requires confirmation of hypercortisolism followed by demonstration of ACTH-dependence. Identification of the corticotroph adenoma by pituitary MRI and/or bilateral inferior petrosal sampling for ACTH may contribute to localisation before pituitary surgery. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with selective microadenomectomy is first-line therapy, followed by external pituitary irradiation if surgery is not curative. Medical therapy to suppress adrenal steroid synthesis is effective in the short-term and bilateral adrenalectomy should be considered in cases unfit for TSS or radiotherapy or when urgent remission is needed after unsuccessful surgery. TSS induces remission of hypercortisolism and improvement of symptoms in 70–100% of cases, particularly when performed by a surgeon with experience in children. Post-TSS complications include pituitary hormone deficiencies, sub-optimal catch-up growth, and persisting excess of BMI. Recurrence of hypercortisolism following remission is recognised but infrequent, being less common than in adult CD patients. With experienced specialist medical and surgical care, the overall prognosis is good. Early referral to an experienced endocrine centre is advised

COVID-19 infection and glucocorticoids: update from the Italian Society of Endocrinology Expert Opinion on steroid replacement in adrenal insufficiency

none14nononeIsidori A.M.; Arnaldi G.; Boscaro M.; Falorni A.; Giordano C.; Giordano R.; Pivonello R.; Pofi R.; Hasenmajer V.; Venneri M.A.; Sbardella E.; Simeoli C.; Scaroni C.; Lenzi A.Isidori, A. M.; Arnaldi, G.; Boscaro, M.; Falorni, A.; Giordano, C.; Giordano, R.; Pivonello, R.; Pofi, R.; Hasenmajer, V.; Venneri, M. A.; Sbardella, E.; Simeoli, C.; Scaroni, C.; Lenzi, A