Core IM | Internal Medicine Podcast

#130 Cort (ACTH) Stim Test

Jul 6, 2023
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ADVICE

Steroid Tapering Approach

  • Switch patients to hydrocortisone and taper them to a lower dose.
  • Then, test their ability to produce steroids naturally.
INSIGHT

Cosyntropin Stimulation Test Purpose

  • The Cosyntropin stimulation test checks for adrenal insufficiency after steroid use.
  • It assesses how the HPA axis has been affected.
ADVICE

Understanding the HPA Axis

  • Think of the pituitary gland sending ACTH to tell the adrenal glands to make cortisol.
  • Long-term steroid use suppresses this HPA axis, like a vacation for the adrenal glands.
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