Adrenal suppression in children with the human immunodeficiency virus treated with megestrol acetate.

Stockheim, J A; Daaboul, J J; Yogev, R; Scully, S P; Binns, H J; Chadwick, E G · J Pediatr · 1999

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

Symptoms and laboratory evidence of adrenal suppression developed in 2 children with the human immunodeficiency virus after megestrol acetate (MA) therapy was discontinued; both required transient glucocorticoid replacement therapy. High-dose corticotropin stimulation testing performed on children with the human immunodeficiency virus treated or not treated with MA showed that baseline and post-corticotropin cortisol levels were extremely low in 7 of 10 treated patients and normal in 10 of 10 members of a control group (P <.01). MA may suppress adrenal function, and replacement glucocorticoids may prevent or relieve associated symptoms at times of severe stress or on discontinuation of MA therapy.

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