Studies of Adrenocortical Function in Continuous Asthma

Abstract

The adrenal function in 34 patients with continuous asthma has been assessed by measuring plasma cortisol before and during ACTH [adrenocorticotropic hormone] stimulation and, in 21 patients, by estimating resting cortisol production rates. No patient had previously received corticosteroid or corticotropin therapy at any time. The resting cortisol production rates fell within normal limits. Twenty-three patients had a diminished response to ACTH stimulation and 11 patients had a normal response. Thus there is evidence that in the majority of these patients the adrenal cortex was not functionally normal. There is a significant correlation between duration of symptoms and a diminished response to ACTH stimulation.