Welcome to the AIU/AIC research library. The articles and documents here are listed by subject. Beneath the following subject headings you’ll find links to current information on that topic. We check the links periodically, however, if you find one that is no longer working, please contact us.
Thank you for visiting, we hope you find our library useful.
We’ve re-organized the library so please be patient as we are still adding content 9/5/16.
A-C: Adrenal crisis, Adrenal fatigue, Adrenal insufficiency, Adrenal suppression, Adrenal Insufficiency in the News, Better living tips, Children with adrenal insufficiency, Circadian rhythm, Coexisting conditions, Cortisol pump
Link to topics D-M: Dosing, Electrolytes and hydration, Emergency care, Emotional aspects of AI, Financial/Gifting Organizations, Guidelines and reviews, Hormones, Injection kit, Medication interactions
Link to topics N-Z: Overview of endocrine system, PAI, Pain management, Physiology of AI, Pregnancy, Recent developments, SAI, Sleep, Stress, Steroids, Surgery guidelines, Tapering, Testing
Adrenal Crisis
Acute Adrenal Crisis A Medlineplus article also posted in the New York Times. Acute adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is not enough cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Adherence to glucocorticoid treatment guidelines improved, but risk for adrenal failure remains Despite increased adherence to glucocorticoid stress dosing guidelines, patients with adrenal insufficiency are still at risk for acute adrenal failure, according to data published in the Journal of Pediatrics.
Adrenal Crisis and Acute Adrenal Insufficiency Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
Adrenal Crisis in Emergency Medicine Adrenal crisis and severe acute adrenocortical insufficiency are often elusive diagnoses that may result in severe morbidity and mortality when undiagnosed or ineffectively treated. Medscape
Adrenal Insufficiency Patients Require More Education on Adrenal Crisis Endocrinology Advisor: Greater efforts to educate patients with adrenal insufficiency and their families about prevention of adrenal crisis may be necessary, according to data presented at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 24th Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress.
See our Emergency Instructions Page for helpful tips, downloads and videos about adrenal crisis.
Extensive Expertise in Endocrinology: Adrenal Crisis European Society of Endocrinology: Dr Bruno Allilo (discusses the misconception that patients return to good QOL with HC therapy, importance of emergency injection kit for all.)
High Incidence of Adrenal Crisis in Educated Patients with Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency: A Prospective Study (The three most common causes of crisis are gastrointestinal infection, fever, and stress.)
In this video, Prof John Wass, Chair of the ADSHG Clinical Advisory Panel, discusses the symptoms of an adrenal crisis, how people with adrenal insufficiency should know when to give themselves an emergency injection and what to do next.
Therapy of Endocrine Disease: Perspectives on the management of adrenal insufficiency: clinical insights from around Europe. The increased demand for corticosteroids during periods of stress can result in a life-threatening adrenal crisis (AC) in a patient with AI. Education is paramount for patients and their caregivers to anticipate, recognize and provide proper early treatment to prevent or reduce the occurrence of ACs
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal Fatigue Myth or Reality? a Systematic Review The Endocrine Society
Is adrenal fatigue a real medical condition? Consumer Reports
Adrenal Fatigue Myth vs Fact by the Hormone Health Network. A particularly concerning quote from this article “If you take adrenal hormone supplements when you don’t need them, your adrenal glands may stop working and become unable to make the hormones you need when you are under physical stress. When these supplements are stopped, a person’s adrenal glands can remain “asleep” for months. People with this problem may be in danger of developing a life-threatening condition called adrenal crisis.”
Adrenal Insufficiency
Addison’s Disease Also called adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease occurs in all age groups and affects both sexes. Addison’s disease can be life-threatening. by the Mayo Clinic
Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison’s Disease Information from the National Institutes of Health.
Adrenal Insufficiency Patient Information Sheet This information sheet provides an introduction to the causes and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and the tests used to diagnose this condition. by the Society for Endocrinology in the UK.
Adrenal Insufficiency in the News
Adrenal Insufficient Achievers
Oswego, IL Oswego’s Lukowski plays through Addison’s Disease
Canada Interview: Nathan Gafuik Nathan is a gymnast with Addison’s disease.
Medical News
TX Lessons of Alexis Shapiro: Texas Girl’s Ordeal Spotlights Silent Crisis There have been severals stories chronicling Alexis journey, this is just one of them.
Australia Court calls for ‘safety watch’ after two young lives taken by undiagnosed Addison’s disease
Awareness and Support
Sioux Falls, SD USF Men’s Basketball holds draft, signing day for 7-year-old
Astoria, OR Oregon mothers fight to raise awareness of adrenal insufficiency, a treatable, sometimes fatal disease
Eugene, OR Families push for education, normalcy for kids with adrenal insufficiency
Knoxville, TN Spreading the sweet word: Family alerting first responders to rare disease
Community steps up to learn life-saving injection protocol for local boy
Adrenal Suppression
Inhaled corticosteroids and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency, 2014
Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects
Adrenal suppression, a practical guide to screening and management
Common asthma steroids linked to side effects in adrenal glands After stopping steroids commonly prescribed for asthma and allergies, a significant number of people may experience signs of malfunctioning in the adrenal glands, a European study finds.
Glucocorticoid tapering and adrenal suppression testing guide: This tapering guide is a compilation of medical information available and patient experience. References for the medical information are provided at the end of the document. This guide is not a substitute for advice and direction from your own physician. You may find this a useful discussion point if you are encountering difficulties in your attempts at tapering.
A brochure on STEROIDS-ASTHMA
Better Living Tips
Children with Adrenal Insufficiency
Circadian Rhythm
Circadian Rhythm Dosing: Written by Professor Peter Hindmarsh and Kathy Geertsma Understanding how the body uses hydrocortisone and other steroids and how dosing based on the internal 24 hour “body clock” can help.
Replication of cortisol circadian rhythm: new advances in hydrocortisone replacement therapy. More information about the circadian rhythm and adrenal insufficiency.
The effects of electromagnetic fields on circadian rhythm and cortisol production
Coexisting Conditions and/or Symptoms
Adrenal insufficiency and liver failure
Growth Hormone Deficiency GHD Adults Childhood and Adolescents
Multiple hormone deficiencies are a common feature for SAI patients. This article ties the condition to cardiac issues, in particular growth hormone, testosterone, and thyroid deficiencies. Insulin resistance also plays a role.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC’s)
Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, depression, and anxiety among adrenal insufficient patients. Click on view or download e-poster for a printable form with statistics.
For a list of conditions that can or do cause adrenal insufficiency Link to our page on Related Conditions.
Cortisol Pump
Here’s a recent study from JCEM comparing oral glucocorticoid therapy with delivery by pump. Hopefully this will help pave the way to better access for patients. You can read the full article by clicking on pdf.
Circadian rhythm, insulin sensitivity helped with cortisol pump
Blogs from those using the pump.
Amber Nicole The Cortisol Pump