Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Glucocorticoids are prescribed for >3 months to 1% of the UK population, principally to control inflammation. In 10–30% of patients, chronic glucocorticoid treatment suppresses HPA axis activity, causing atrophy of the adrenals and a failure to mount an adequate response during stress (potentially fatal) and following treatment withdrawal. Understanding the mechanisms resulting in HPA axis failure may allow us to predict those at risk, inform treatment str...