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An Under-Recognized and Under-Reported Cause of Adrenal Insufficiency

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: We report a unique case of potentially life-threatening secondary adrenal insufficiency in a 58year-old female who was maintained on a high dose fentanyl patch and hydrocodone for many years for chronic back pain.She presented to the emergency room (ER) with severe hypotension, weight loss and fatigue.We suspected hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression induced by chronic use of opioids.Subsequently, after appropriate laboratory investigations, she was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency attributed to chronic opiate use.We discontinued the hydrocodone, decreased the dose of her fentanyl patch and began oral prednisone.The patient responded to treatment and her symptoms were resolved as seen on an outpatient follow up visit three months later.Currently, she is off prednisone and is doing well without demonstrating any symptoms or signs of adrenal insufficiency.Physicians must be aware of this potentially life-threatening side effect of opioid medications and should discourage long term opiate use.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in the United States showing opioid-induced secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Source: International Journal of Case Reports in Medicine

DOI: 10.5171/2014.524907

Authors: Nonihal Singh, Richard Snyder, Mahesh Krishnamurthy

Institution: Easton Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal Hormones and Disorders

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W2183044240