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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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The introduction of adrenocortical extract in 1930 improved the life expectancy of hyhpoadrenal patients, with further increases seen after the introduction of cortisone acetate from 1948. Most patients are now treated with synthetic hydrocortisone, and incremental advances have been made with optimisation of daily dosing and the introduction of multidose regimens. There remains a significant mortality gap between individuals with treated hypoadrenalism and the general population. It is unclear whether this gap is a result of glucocorticoid over-replacement, under-replacement or loss of the circadian and ultradian rhythm of cortisol secretion, with the risk of detrimental excess glucocorticoid exposure at later times in the day. The way forwards will involve replacement of the diurnal cortisol rhythm with better glucocorticoid replacement regimens. The steroid profile produced by both prednisolone and dual-release hydrocortisone (Plenadren), provide a smoother glucocorticoid profile of cortisol than standard oral multidose regimens of hydrocortisone and cortisone acetate. The individualisation of prednisolone doses and lower bioavailability of Plenadren offer reductions in total steroid exposure. Although there is emerging evidence of both treatments offering better cardiometabolic outcomes than standard glucocorticoid replacement regimens, there is a paucity of evidence involving very low dose prednisolone (2–4 mg daily) compared to the larger doses (~7.5 mg) historically used. Data from upcoming clinical studies on prednisolone will therefore be of key importance in informing future practice.
Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, North West London Pathology, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, North West London Pathology, London, UK
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Context
Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) have a higher mortality than the general population, possibly because of excess glucocorticoid exposure at inappropriate times. The cortisol circadian rhythm is difficult to mimic with twice- or thrice-daily hydrocortisone. Prednisolone is a once-daily alternative which may improve patient compliance through its convenience.
Objectives
Prednisolone day curves can be used to accurately downtitrate patients to the minimum effective dose. This study aimed to review prednisolone day curves and determine therapeutic ranges at different time points after administration.
Methods
Between August 2013 and May 2021, 108 prednisolone day curves from 76 individuals receiving prednisolone replacement were analysed. Prednisolone concentrations were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between 2-, 4-, and 6-h prednisolone levels compared to the previously validated standard 8-h prednisolone level (15–25 μg/L).
Results
The median dose was 4 mg of prednisolone once daily. There was a strong correlation between the 4- and 8-h (R = 0.8829, P ≤ 0.0001) and 6- and 8-h prednisolone levels (R = 0.9530, P ≤ 0.0001). Target ranges for prednisolone were 37–62 μg/L at 4 h, 24–39 μg/L at 6 h, and 15–25 μg/L at 8 h. Prednisolone doses were successfully reduced in 21 individuals, and of these, 3 were reduced to 2 mg once daily. All patients were well upon follow-up.
Conclusion
This is the largest evaluation of oral prednisolone pharmacokinetics in humans. Low-dose prednisolone of 2–4 mg is safe and effective in most patients with AI. Doses can be titrated with either 4-, 6-, or 8-h single time point drug levels.
