The hormonal and radiological evaluation of adrenal glands, and the determination of the usefulness of low dose ACTH test in patients with renal amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis is a multisystem disease which may cause organ loss. Renal involvement is the most common clinical problem in amyloidosis, however involvement of endocrin organs is possible. In this study to assess adrenocortical function and to evaluate the usefulness of low dose ACTH test in patients with renal amyloidosis, we determined cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesteron (17-OHP) and 11-deoxycortisol (11-DOC) responses to both 1 microg and 250 microg Synacthen. We also determined the size of adrenal glands radiologically by using computerized tomography. Twenty one patients with renal amyloidosis and 16 healthy subjects for hormonal evaluation, and 20 patients with renal amyloidosis and 22 healthy subjects for radiologic evaluation were included in the study. In four patients (19%) peak serum cortisol levels following stimulation with the low dose of Synacthen were less than 20 microg/dL (550 nmol/L). Two of them had also subnormal cortisol response to the 250 microg Synacthen stimulation test. Basal and stimulated levels of 11-DOC were lower than those of control values (p=0.000 and p<0.01 respectively). The mean 11-DOC responses to stimulation with 1 microg Synacthen were also significantly lower than the values obtained after the simulation with 250 microg Synacthen (p<0.01 and p=0.000). Cortisol responses to the stimulation with 250 microg Synacthen were also lower than the control responses (p<0.05). 17-OHP responses were similar to the control values in both tests. In the radiological evaluation the mean maximum width of right adrenal glands and the mean anterior and maximum width of left adrenal glands were significantly greater in the patient group (p<0.01). In conclusion, adrenal involvement and adrenal insufficiency is common in amyloidosis. Low 11-DOC levels in amyloidosis is a new finding and further detailed studies is required to explain its cause.     

Critical size of residual adrenal tissue and recovery from impaired early postoperative adrenocortical function after subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy

BACKGROUND: Subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy may preserve adrenocortical function. Little is known about the early postoperative function of the adrenal remnant. METHOD: In 10 patients with bilateral adrenal tumors (pheochromocytomas, adrenocortical nodular hyperplasia, and adrenal metastases), plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum cortisol, and maximal cortisol liberation were examined with an ACTH test after subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy, which left 15% to 30% of adrenal tissue in situ. RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, all patients had normal basal serum cortisol levels (mean, 415+/-208 nmol/L; normal morning range, 138-690 nmol/L) but pathologically increased plasma ACTH levels (mean, 55+/-42 pmol/mL; normal, <10.1 pmol/L). In 6 patients, a pathologic ACTH test result was observed. During follow-up (mean, 11.3+/-7.6 months), all patients were found to have a normal ACTH test result. None of the patients required steroid supplementation. However, in patients with both familial pheochromocytoma and impaired adrenocortical function during the early postoperative period, the maximal increase of serum cortisol after ACTH stimulation was significantly reduced (mean, 301+/-86.8 nmol/L) compared with control subjects (mean, 490+/-132.6 nmol/L; P=.019). CONCLUSION: After subtotal bilateral adrenalectomy left 15% to 30% of adrenal tissue in situ, functional recovery could be observed in all patients. However, subclinical impairment of the adrenocortical function with questionable clinical significance has to be considered in some of the patients. Especially during the early postoperative period, careful observation of the patients without exogenous steroid administration is required.     

Overt hypoadrenalism is uncommon in patients with stage 3 and 4 bronchogenic carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in most countries. The adrenal glands are common sites of metastatic lung cancer as approximately 40% of subjects with stage 4 bronchogenic carcinoma have adrenal metastases. The prevalence of biochemical hypoadrenalism is, however, remarkably poorly documented. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of primary hypoadrenalism, as defined by a subnormal cortisol response to the 250 micrograms adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, in patients with stage 3 and 4 lung cancer. METHODS: Thirty patients with stage 3 and 4 bronchogenic carcinoma were prospectively recruited from the bronchus clinic. Demographic data and electrolytes were recorded and each patient had a 250 micrograms ACTH stimulation test to determine the prevalence of overt adrenal insufficiency, defined as a +30 minute cortisol of less than 550 nmol/l. RESULTS: The median age and quartile deviation was 62 (10) years and the median basal cortisol was 429.5 (321) nmol/l. The median peak cortisol was 828.5 (342) nmol/l (range 536-1,675 nmol/l). Twenty-eight patients (93.3%) had an appropriate rise of cortisol to greater than 550 nmol/l following 250 micrograms ACTH stimulation. Two patients (6.7%) had mild primary adrenal failure with a peak cortisol between 500 and 550 nmol/l associated with a raised plasma ACTH concentration (131.4 and 10.5 pmol/l, normal 2.2-10 pmol/l). Twenty-eight patients (92.9%) were normonatraemic, while the two hyponatraemic patients had biochemical evidence of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, despite evidence that the adrenal glands of patients with disseminated bronchogenic carcinoma are frequently affected by metastatic disease, biochemical evidence of clinically significant hypoadrenalism is relatively uncommon and is not accurately predicted by electrolyte abnormalities.     

Time to recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after curative resection of adrenal tumors in patients with Cushing's syndrome

The recovery time of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis after curative resection of adrenal tumors in patients with Cushing's syndrome is poorly documented. Eight consecutive patients were treated with a standardized hydrocortisone replacement strategy after curative resection of a cortisol-secreting tumor and the time to recovery of the HPA axis was determined. Hypercortisolism was documented by elevated 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels. Cure was documented by undetectable postoperative morning serum cortisol levels. Each patient received replacement hydrocortisone after surgery and was reevaluated every 3 to 6 months with an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Each patient was also monitored carefully for symptoms and signs of adrenal insufficiency, which was defined as symptoms consistent with this diagnosis that responded to increases in hydrocortisone levels. After surgical resection, each patient was cured of hypercortisolism. Subsequently, despite replacement hydrocortisone, each patient had symptoms of hypocortisolism, and in four of eight patients the dose of hydrocortisone was increased to relieve the symptoms. Patients required a median time of 15 months (range, 9 to 22 months) to recover a normal ACTH stimulation test and 19 months (range, 12 to 24 months) to allow discontinuation of replacement doses of hydrocortisone. The results suggest that surgical resection of a cortisol-secreting adrenal tumor will result in rapid cure of hypercortisolism, but complete recovery of the HPA axis and discontinuation of replacement steroids will require between 1 and 2 years. Normal adrenal function, as assessed by the cortisol response to ACTH, returns despite replacement doses of hydrocortisone, and replacement doses of hydrocortisone can be tapered rapidly or discontinued after a normal ACTH stimulation test.     

Antituberculous therapy-induced fulminant hepatic failure: successful treatment with liver transplantation and nonstandard antituberculous therapy.

Standard antituberculous therapy including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide is widely used for the treatment of active tuberculosis. Its most important side effect is hepatotoxicity, ranging from asymptomatic transaminitis to fulminant hepatic failure. A 19-year-old woman was admitted to our unit due to jaundice and unconsciousness. According to her past medical history, she was diagnosed as having extrapulmonary tuberculosis and had been prescribed standard antituberculous therapy. The patient became icteric and unconscious on the fourth day after therapy initiation. She was diagnosed with drug-induced acute fulminant hepatic failure and underwent living-related liver transplantation. Nonhepatotoxic antituberculous therapy (cycloserine, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, and ethambutol) and low-dose immunosuppressive therapy were started after transplantation. Currently the patient is very well with normal graft function 42 months after transplantation. Here we report a case of a patient with acute fulminant hepatic failure caused by isoniazid, rifampicin, or both, who was successfully treated with living-related liver transplantation and a relatively less hepatotoxic antituberculous therapy. In conclusion, liver transplantation is a feasible therapy for individuals with standard antituberculous therapy-induced hepatic failure. Nonhepatotoxic antituberculous therapy may achieve control of active tuberculosis in such individuals after transplantation.     

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the hip

The question of whether a total hip arthroplasty (THA) should be attempted in a patient with a current or previous tuberculosis infection continues to cause controversy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical result of cementless THA for the treatment of advanced tuberculosis of the hip. Eight patients with advanced tuberculosis of the hip treated by cementless THA were retrospectively analyzed. None of the patients had draining sinus preoperatively. For patients with a confirmed preoperative diagnosis of tuberculosis and elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antituberculous medication was prescribed for at least 2 weeks preoperatively. Inflamed soft tissues and destroyed bones were completely curetted out intraoperatively. All 8 patients received 1-stage cementless THA after thorough debridement. Antituberculous medications were prescribed for all patients for the first 6 months postoperatively. No patient experienced wound-healing complications. Mean Harris Hip Score was 35 (range, 30-43) preoperatively and 91 (range, 87-95) at last follow-up. At an average 46-month follow-up (range, 34-59 months), no reactivation of tuberculosis was detected. All 8 patients revealed stability by bone ingrowth on both the socket and femoral stem. Cementless THA is a safe and effective procedure for advanced tuberculosis of the hip. With thorough debridement followed by a complete course of antituberculous chemotherapy, active tuberculous infection should not be considered a contraindication for THA.     

Free plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids and the response to beta1-24-corticotrophin in regular haemodialysis patients.

The adrenocortical function of 59 patients on regular hemodialysis treatment was tested on 105 occasions by measuring the 30-min response of free plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids (11-OHCS) after intramuscular injection of 0.25 mg Synacthen (beta1-24-corticotrophin). The morning basal levels of 11-OHCS were within the normal range. The increase of 11-OHCS after injection of Synacthen was less than normal in 25% of the patients. In 9 patients with a low response an extended Synacthen test was performed. This caused a normal increase in plasma 11-OHCS but the response came later than in normal persons. After 0.25 mg Synacthen intramuscularly the 30-min response of 11-OHCS seemed to be lower on the first day than on the second day after dialysis. The present study supports the view that the pituitary-adrenocortical system is essentially intact in patients on regular hemodialysis treatment.     

The rapid low-dose (1 microgram) cosyntropin test in the immediate postoperative period: results in elderly subjects after major abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND: Recently the rapid low-dose (1 microgram) cosyntropin test has been found to be superior to the standard (250 micrograms) rapid cosyntropin test for evaluating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Because the 1-microgram test has not been studied in postoperative patients, we evaluated the test after major abdominal surgery. METHODS: We performed rapid 1-microgram cosyntropin tests in 20 patients aged 65 years or older immediately and 24 hours after uncomplicated elective abdominal surgery (group A) and in 10 patients who were suspected of having adrenal insufficiency after abdominal surgery (group B). Subsequently, 250 micrograms of cosyntropin was infused over 8 hours on 2 successive days in group B patients. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of group A patients had normal rapid 1-microgram cosyntropin test results immediately after surgery and 90% had normal test results 24 hours postoperatively. Six group B patients had abnormal rapid 1-microgram cosyntropin test results. Additional testing indicated primary adrenal insufficiency in 2 patients and central adrenal insufficiency in 1 patient; another patient probably had primary adrenal insufficiency and 2 patients appeared to be euadrenal. Four group B patients had normal rapid 1-microgram cosyntropin test results. After additional testing, 3 of these patients appeared to have normal adrenal function; 1 probably had primary adrenal insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The rapid 1-microgram cosyntropin test accurately evaluated adrenal gland function in selected patients after uncomplicated surgery. The test, however, was difficult to interpret in unselected seriously ill postoperative patients. Therefore we recommend that postoperative patients with unexplained hypotension or other features suggestive of adrenal insufficiency who have random plasma cortisol levels less than 20 micrograms/dL be treated with glucocorticoids and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis be studied by standard tests after recovery.     

Resectional surgery combined with chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

OBJECTIVE: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis remains a significant health problem. The best available treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is the combination of pulmonary resection and antituberculous chemotherapy. We herein report the results of pulmonary resection combined with chemotherapy for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis at our institution during the years 2000 through 2002. METHODS: Between 1983 and 2002, 87 patients underwent 95 pulmonary resections for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Of these, the 30 (34%) patients operated on from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2002, are reviewed in the present study. All patients were maintained on multidrug regimens preoperatively and postoperatively. Indications for surgical intervention included persistently positive sputum and a high risk of relapse. Thirty-three pulmonary resections were performed, consisting of pneumonectomy (n = 12), lobectomy (n = 17), and segmentectomy (n = 4). The bronchial stump was reinforced with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap in 29 resections. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. Bronchopleural fistulas occurred in 2 patients. Five patients had a space problem. All patients attained sputum-negative status after the operation. Relapse occurred in 3 patients: 2 had a relapse at the bronchial stump, and the remaining patient had a relapse in the postlobectomy space. One late death occurred. Of the 29 survivors, 27 (93%) were free from disease, with a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 8-47 months). CONCLUSIONS: An increasing number of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are requiring resectional surgery in the 21st century. Pulmonary resection combined with chemotherapy achieves high cure rates with acceptable morbidity and remains the treatment of choice for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.     

Combined anterior and posterior surgeries in the treatment of spinal tuberculous spondylitis

Methods for the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis still are controversial. The authors treated 32 consecutive patients with a two-stage surgical technique combined with antituberculous chemotherapy for 1 year. After anterior debridement, fusion with autogenous anterior iliac tricortical strut bone graft was done, and in a second stage, posterior instrumentation and fusion with autogenous posterior iliac corticocancellous bone graft was done 11 days (range, 4-22 days) later. Postoperatively, patients were encouraged to ambulate with brace protection as early as possible. Twenty-nine patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years (median, 4.7 years; range, 2-10 years) of whom 28 patients achieved solid fusion (97%). All patients had improvement of back pain including the only patient with pseudarthrosis. Neurologic deficits completely recovered in 84% (16 of 19) of patients after 3 months. Kyphotic deformity improved in all 29 patients (34.6 degrees versus 17.3 degrees ) with the average correction angle of 17.3 degrees. Clinically, 27 patients had achieved a satisfactory outcome (93%). There were no evident surgical complications. The authors, therefore, recommend a two-stage surgical technique combined with antituberculous chemotherapy to treat patients with severe vertebral body destruction attributable to tuberculosis because of its high success rate and a low complication rate.     

Echocardiographic features, mortality, and adrenal function in patients with cirrhosis and septic shock

Objectives: Cirrhosis of the liver is associated with an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections capable of causing septic shock and with a basal hyperdynamic circulatory state. The primary objective of this study was to delineate the echocardiographic characteristics and outcomes of septic shock in patients with liver cirrhosis. The secondary objective was to determine whether adrenal insufficiency, which may contribute to hyperdynamic syndrome, was more marked in patients with cirrhosis than in other patients with septic shock.
Design: Prospective single-center cohort study.
Patients and methods: Thirty-four patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for septic shocks were included, 14 with and 20 without liver cirrhosis. Echocardiography was performed within the first 24 h to measure the cardiac index (CI), systolic index (SI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). A Synacthen test was performed.
Results: Patients with cirrhosis had higher values for the CI (3.69±1.0 vs. 2.86±0.8 l/min/m²; P =0.02), SI (37.5±8 vs. 32.4±7 ml/m²; P =0.04), and LVEF (67±7 vs. 55.9±12%; P =0.005). ICU mortality was 53% overall, 64% in patients with cirrhosis, and 45% in patients without cirrhosis ( P =0.27). Serum cortisol levels under basal conditions (H0) and after stimulation (H1) showed no significant differences between patients with and without cirrhosis. The proportion of patients with no response to Synacthen was 77% among patients with cirrhosis and 50% among patients without cirrhosis ( P =0.18).
Conclusion: In a population with septic shock, left ventricular function was more hyperdynamic in the subset with cirrhosis. Relative adrenal insufficiency occurred in similar proportions of patients with and without cirrhosis.     

General principles of osteoarticular tuberculosis

Since approximately 1985, with the pandemic of the human immunodeficiency virus and with the increase in the number of people who are immunocompromised, there is a resurgence of tuberculosis worldwide. The diagnosis in endemic areas generally can be made on clinical and radiologic examinations. However, whenever there is doubt because of an atypical clinical presentation or lack of clinical exposure, tissue diagnosis is mandatory. If osteoarticular tuberculosis is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, approximately 90% to 95% of patients would achieve healing with near normal function. The mainstay of treatment is multidrug antituberculous chemotherapy (for 12 to 18 months) and active - assisted non-weightbearing exercises of the involved joint throughout the period of healing. Operative intervention is required when the patient is not responding after 4 to 5 months of chemotherapy (synovectomy and debridement), the therapeutic outcome is not satisfactory (excisional arthroplasty for the hip or the elbow), or the healed status has resulted in a painful ankylosis (arthrodesis for the ankle, the wrist, or the knee). Joint replacement may be considered if the disease has remained inactive for 10 years or more. Multidrug resistance should be suspected if the activity of disease does not subside after 4 to 6 months of uninterrupted multidrug therapy. Such patients (5% to 10%) present a desperate therapeutic challenge. Second-line and potential antitubercular drugs, and possible immunomodulations may control such a disease.     

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal function: anaesthetic implications

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis is activated by surgery, trauma and critical illness. Anaesthesia can suppress adrenocortical secretion either by an effect at the hypothalamus (e.g. by a decrease in neural input with regional anaesthesia) or by a direct effect on the adrenal cortex (e.g. by etomidate). For patients undergoing routine surgery an increase in cortisol secretion is unnecessary; uneventful recovery occurs in the presence of circulating cortisol concentrations within the normal range. Patients taking corticosteroids for many medical conditions often present for surgery. A rationale for steroid supplementation based on physiological principles and clinical evidence is presented in this article. The use of steroids in critically ill patients remains contentious, with little agreement about what is an appropriate circulating cortisol concentration and the interpretation of the results of the short Synacthen test.     

Coexistent bronchogenic carcinoma and active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Sixty-four cases of coexistent bronchogenic carcinoma and active pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed between 1969 and 1976. The majority were male chronic cigarette smokers in their fifth and sixth decades. Human bacilli were isolated in 48 patients (88.9 percent) and atypical bacilli in six patients (11.1 percent). All of the atypical bacilli and 8.3 percent of the human bacilli were found to be resistant to the first line antituberculous drugs. All patients, except two who died following resection, were given a course of antituberculous drugs with 93.8 percent successful sputum conversion. Uncontrolled or disseminated tuberculous infection was not observed. Forty-five patients (70.3 percent) underwent pulmonary resection. Median survival time of those who had curative resection was 14.3 months with a 5 year survival rate of 13.2 percent. Median survival times of those treated by palliative resection plus anticancer chemotherapy and by anticancer chemotherapy alone were 8.3 months and 11.1 months, respectively. None of these patients survived more than 30 months. It appears that, clinically, each disease runs its own course with little effect on the other.     

单侧肾上腺切除治疗原发性醛固酮增多症对侧肾上腺储备功能的评价分析

目的对比分析原发性醛固酮增多症(PHA)患者单侧肾上腺切除前后肾上腺皮质分泌功能变化,评估分析单侧肾上腺切除后对侧肾上腺皮质储备功能。方法选取2006年1月至2013年2月接受单侧肾上腺切除手术的42例患者的临床资料。对患者手术前后早晨空腹血皮质醇、促肾上腺皮质素(ACTH)水平、以及促肾上腺皮质激素兴奋1mg地塞米松抑制试验结果进行了有效的统计学分析。结果 42例患者均无出现肾上腺皮质功能不全。手术前后基础皮质醇水平无明显差异。然而,单侧肾上腺切除术后基础ACTH水平明显提高。促肾上腺皮质激素兴奋1mg地塞米松抑制试验的皮质醇峰值水平明显下降。术后皮质醇峰值水平约为术前82.7%(76.0%~91.4%)。结论不伴有皮质醇增多症或亚临床型皮质醇增多症的PHA患者行单侧肾上腺切除,术后血皮质醇水平可维持在正常范围之内,但肾上腺皮质储备功能出现不同程度的下降,其储备功能不低于术前80%,足以使患者术后不会出现肾上腺皮质功能不全。     

Effects of long term inhaled high dose beclomethasone dipropionate on adrenal function.

Studies of adrenal function were performed on 54 asthmatic patients who were taking long term high doses of inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate ranging from 500 to 2000 micrograms/day for between six and 60 months. Of the 43 patients taking up to 1500 micrograms/day, 39 (91%) had normal basal plasma cortisol concentrations and normal short tetracosactrin responses and 24 hour urinary free cortisol excretion was within the normal range in eight of nine patients tested. Some evidence of adrenal suppression was found in patients taking 2000 micrograms/day, with basal plasma cortisol below the normal range in four out of 11 patients and 24 hour urinary free cortisol excretion below the normal range in five out of six patients tested. Only one of the 11 patients taking 2000 micrograms/day had a short tetracosactrin response below the normal range: the mean rise in plasma cortisol was, however, significantly lower in this group than in those taking 1000 micrograms/day (328 (SE 30) and 506 (34) nmol/l respectively) (p less than 0.01). Patients taking more than 1500 micrograms/day of inhaled beclomethasone may require systemic corticosteroids during prolonged stress.     

Adrenocortical function in hospitalised patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis receiving a rifampicin-based regimen -- a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether adrenocortical function was compromised in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) during the first 5 days of therapy with either a rifampicin-based or ciprofloxacin-based regimen. DESIGN: Patients were randomised into two groups of 10 each. Adrenocortical function was compared in both groups by the measurement of biochemical indices, electrolytes, osmolality and pituitary-adrenocortical hormones. Adrenal reserve was assessed by intravenous 250 mug adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests. SETTING: Department of Medicine, Johannesburg Hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty hospitalised patients who were diagnosed with TB. OUTCOME MEASURES: Respiratory rate, pulse rate and blood pressure were recorded, and urinary sodium and osmolality were measured. Serum ACTH, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone- sulphate (DHEA-S) and aldosterone were assayed. RESULTS: None of the patients demonstrated biochemical evidence of overt adrenal insufficiency. There were no significant differences between the two groups before or during therapy for any biochemical indices, electrolytes, hormones or calculated osmolality. Mean basal cortisol concentrations were substantially elevated and DHEA-S levels were consistently subnormal, resulting in a high cortisol/ DHEA-S ratio. In the ciprofloxacin group, cortisol responses to ACTH stimulation on day 1 were not significantly lower than on day 5. In the rifampicin group, cortisol concentrations decreased at each time point on day 5 compared with day 1 (p = 0.001). However, a significantly higher mean incremental rise from the basal cortisol concentration was measured on day 5 at 60 minutes (p = 0.04). In the entire cohort of 20 patients, 40% demonstrated an incremental cortisol rise of < 250 nmol/l after ACTH stimulation on day 1. CONCLUSIONS: Rifampicin did not additionally impair adrenocortical function during the initial period of therapy. The high cortisol/DHEA-S ratio might be of clinical relevance.     

妊娠合并库欣综合征二例报告并文献复习

目的探讨罕见的妊娠合并库欣综合征病例的病因、临床表现、诊断和治疗。 方法回顾性分析2例我院收治的妊娠合并库欣综合征病例的临床资料，复习相关文献并予以讨论。例1：患者29岁，因"妊娠25周，四肢皮肤瘀点、瘀斑2个月，左小腿外伤半天"入住内分泌科。腹部超声检查发现左侧肾上腺区35 mm×29 mm低回声肿块。进一步完善各项检查后患者诊断为妊娠合并库欣综合征，并存在严重精神障碍。患者及家属要求手术治疗后终止妊娠。纠正低钾血症后转入泌尿外科行腹腔镜下左侧肾上腺肿瘤切除术，术中保留部分正常腺体。例2：患者28岁，因"妊娠22周，发现血糖升高1个月"入住我院内分泌科。腹部MRI检查发现左侧肾上腺区45 mm×59 mm占位。经进一步检查患者诊断为妊娠合并库欣综合征，并存在肝功能异常，考虑与患者皮质醇异常增高相关。患者及家属要求手术治疗后终止妊娠，遂转入泌尿外科行腹腔镜下左侧肾上腺肿瘤切除术。 结果2例手术均顺利完成。2例术后病理回报均为肾上腺皮质腺瘤。例1术后监测皮质醇水平低于正常，予小剂量糖皮质激素补充治疗。2例患者均术后2周引产终止妊娠。例1术后随访12个月，该患者术后小剂量糖皮质激素补充3个月后检查皮质醇恢复正常水平予停药，其后随访皮质醇均正常；患者精神障碍症状经过药物对症治疗后逐渐好转并恢复正常。例2术后已随访6个月，皮质醇及转氨酶术后均恢复正常。2例患者电解质及其他相关激素等随访检查均正常。 结论妊娠合并库欣综合征临床罕见，对孕妇及胎儿危害较大，需及时诊断。治疗时应综合评估孕妇及胎儿情况，选择合适的个体化治疗方案。     

一期全髋关节置换术治疗晚期活动性髋关节结核

 目的 探讨一期全髋关节置换术治疗晚期活动性髋关节结核的疗效。方法 回顾性分析1998年9月至2010年10月行一期全髋关节置换术治疗19例(20髋)晚期活动性髋关节结核患者资料,男14例(15髋),女5例(5髋);年龄21～74岁,平均44.1岁。根据Babhulkar 和 Pande的髋关节结核临床影像学分期,3例(3髋)为 Ⅲ期,16例(17髋)为Ⅳ期。从出现症状到就诊时间为5～26周,平均15.1周。2例在外院接受过抗结核药化疗,其中1例行病灶清除术。3例胸片发现肺部有陈旧性结核病灶,无活动性肺结核患者。1例患者有表浅皮肤窦道形成。结果 术后随访12～142个月,平均57个月。1例患者术后6天发生后脱位,经手法复位后卧床3周未再脱位;1例术后5个月出现结核复发,经清创保留假体及口服抗结核药化疗12个月后治愈;1例术后9年随访时X线片示臼杯出现无菌性松动;其余16例患者末次随访时均无结核复发及假体松动迹象。Harris评分从术前平均35分(范围,27～46分),提高到术后末次随访时平均90分(范围,65～96分)。结论　晚期活动性髋关节结核行全髋关节置换术安全可行,可达到控制感染,解除疼痛,改善髋关节功能的目的。     

PHYSIOLOGICAL CORTISOL SUBSTITUTION OF LONG-TERM STEROID-TREATED PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAJOR SURGERY

In 22 patients undergoing elective surgery, adrenal functionwas assessed before and on the day of surgery. Patients receivingcorticosteroid therapy but with a normal cortisol response toa corticotropin stimulation test (group II, n = 8) were notgiven hydrocortisone on the day of operation. Their cortisolconcentration increased in a manner similar to patients (groupI, n = 8) who had never had corticosteroid treatment. The plasmacortisol concentrations in these two groups were less than insubjects (group III, n = 6) with an impaired cortisol responseto corticotropin stimulation, who were given hydrocortisone25 mg at the induction of anaesthesia followed by a continuousinfusion of hydrocortisone 100 mg during the next 24h. Therewere no clinical signs of circulatory insufficiency in any group.The low-dose hydrocortisone therapy regimen is sufficient forsubstitution of adrenal function during surgery and in the earlypostoperative phase. It could lead to mild oversubstitutionin patients with impaired adrenal insufficiency undergoing majorsurgery.