This project reviewed the literature on how commonly people develop adrenal insufficiency after stopping taking glucocorticoids.

Background

Adrenal suppression can occur when people stop taking systemic glucocorticoids (steroids). Whilst they are one of the most prescribed drugs for flare-ups of inflammatory conditions, long-term use is avoided where possible because of important side effects. However, stopping steroids can also cause problems. Decreases in a hormone called cortisol can occur, which controls the body’s responses to stress, infection or injury. This is called adrenal suppression. It is associated with tiredness, stomach upset, poor appetite, and aches. It can be permanent and/or fatal and is poorly understood.

Aims

The aim of this project was to systematically review the available evidence on the frequency of adrenal insufficiency after stopping protocolised glucocorticoid regimens.

Publications

Bowley J, Pearce F, Shallish S, Smyth N, Lanyon P, Lax S. POS1100 A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW INVESTIGATING THE RATE OF ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY AFTER PROTOCOLISED STEROID REGIMENS Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 84, (Supplement 1) 2025: 1188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ard.2025.06.452.