Glucocorticoid therapy in adrenal insufficiency: Hydrocortisone or prednisolone – which is better? – preliminary results

• Published in: Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes
• Main Authors: Bleicken, B, Ventz, M, Strasburger, CJ, Quinkler, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 29.03.2007
• ISSN: 0947-7349; 1439-3646
• DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-972459

Objective: Due to political and historical reasons, patients from the former GDR with primary (1AI) or secondary (2AI) adrenal insufficiency were treated with prednisolone (PR). In contrast, patients from FRG and West-Berlin were treated with hydrocortisone (HC). Our study investigates differences in quality of life (QoL) in patients on HC or PR medication. Methods: 350 patients of our outpatient clinic were contacted by mail. 131 patients took part in the survey. Health related QoL were assessed by 2 standardized questionnaries (GBB 24, HADS). Symptoms and complaints analysed by GBB 24 included heart and stomach complaints, rheumatic pain and fatigue. HADS assessed patients' anxiety and depression. Patient groups were age-matched and preliminary data was analysed in regard to 1AI or 2AI and gender (male (m), female (f)). 6 patient groups were formed (m 2AI HC; m 2AI PR; f 1AI HC; f 1AI PR; f 2AI HC; f 2AI PR). Each group was composed of 7 patients. Results: Women with 1AI and 2AI on HC showed no significant differences in symptoms and complaints assessed by GBB 24 compared to those on PR. The assessed anxiety and depression by HADS also indicated no significant differences in both groups. Even though the average time of treatment with HC for men with 2AI was much shorter (5 years) compared to patients on PR (19 years), no significant differences neither in medical condition nor anxiety or depression was seen. Conclusion: In this preliminary data analysis of a small patient's cohort we were not able to indicate a significant difference in complaints, symptoms, anxiety or depression depending on different glucocorticoid therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency.