Horm Metab Res 2005; 37(1): 1-3
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-861030
Hypothesis
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Hypothetical Index of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Function

M.  K.  S.  Leow1
  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
Further Information

Publication History

Received 30 March 2004

Accepted after Revision 11 June 2004

Publication Date:
09 February 2005 (online)

Abstract

The short ACTH stimulation test (SST) is commonly used by clinicians to determine the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in cases of suspected adrenal insufficiency. Concern has arisen for under-diagnosis of central hypocortisolism using the standard dose (250mcg) SST with the recent introduction of low-dose (1mcg) SST as a potentially more sensitive test for central hypocortisolism. Amidst this uncertainty, I will present a novel index hypothesized to extend the sensitivity of the standard dose SST as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for any level of hypocortisolism.

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Dr. Melvin Khee Shing Leow

Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital

11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng · Singapore 308433

Phone: (065) 6-357-7881

Fax: (065) 6-357-7871

Email: mleowsj@massmed.org