Rationale: Case reports describe suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis caused by local corticosteroids, most often with inhalation corticosteroids. The exact prevalence is not known. Early recognition is important, because suppression of the HPA-axis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Suppression of the HPA axis might occur more often when a Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitor, e.g. ritonavir, is used next to the local corticosteroid, a combination often used by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-patients. Cortisol can be determined in hair. This non-invasive analysis could help in diagnosis of suppressed HPA-axis. Research questions: Primary objective: 1. How often do inhalation or nasal corticosteroids lead to suppression of the HPA- axis in HIV-treated patients? Secondary objectives: 2. Are other variables associated with the HPA-axis suppression? 3. Are cortisol measurements in hair as reliable as serum cortisol or an Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test to diagnose suppression of the HPA axis? Study design: cross-sectional explorative study Study population: adults treated for HIV and using an inhalation or nasal corticosteroid. Intervention: an ACTH stimulation test, cortisol measurements in blood and hair. Main study parameters/endpoints: Proportions of persons with a low morning plasma cortisol or low cortisol after an ACTH stimulation test. Correlation between cortisol in plasma and hair cortisol. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Each person will be screened with a history and a short physical examination. A venous cannula will be inserted for obtaining blood for the plasma cortisol and for the ACTH stimulation test. An ACTH stimulation test has no major complications. A piece of hair is cut for cortisol hair analysis. The risks and burden are minimal, while the future benefits could be great since suppression of the endogenous HPA- axis can be associated with morbidities like hypertension or osteoporosis and can even lead to an adrenal crisis when the local corticosteroid is stopped.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
the percentage of participants with a morning serum cortisol below 80 nmol/L in morning or below 550 nmol/L after Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) stimulation test
Timeframe: baseline