Dual-release hydrocortisone treatment: glycometabolic profile and health-related quality of life

• Published in: Endocrine Connections 2018-01, Vol.7 (1), p.211-219
• Main Authors: Mongioì, L M, Condorelli, R A, La Vignera, S, Calogero, A E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AddiQoL; Addison’s disease; dual-release hydrocortisone; panhypopituitarism
• ISSN: 2049-3614; 2049-3614
• DOI: 10.1530/EC-17-0368

Objective Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a chronic condition associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The treatment of AI in the last years has been object of important changes due to the development of a dual-release preparation of hydrocortisone. It differs from previous therapeutic strategy as it contemplates a once-daily tablet that allows more closely mimicking the physiological circadian cortisol rhythm. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dual-release hydrocortisone treatment on the glycometabolic profile and health-related quality of life of patients with AI. Design and Methods In this clinical open trial, we enrolled ten patients with primary AI (41 ± 2.67 years) and nine patients with AI secondary to hypopituitarism (53.2 ± 17.7 years). We evaluated the glycometabolic profile before and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after dual-release hydrocortisone administration. We also evaluated health-related quality of life, estimated by the AddiQol questionnaire. The mean dose administered of dual-release hydrocortisone was 28.33 ± 6.68 mg/day. Results One female hypopituitary patient dropped out from the study. After 12 months of treatment, the mean dosage administered of dual-release hydrocortisone was significantly lower (P