Thailand Medical Researchers Discover That COVID-19 Causes Adrenal Insufficiency
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 03, 2024 4 months, 2 weeks, 4 days, 13 hours, 56 minutes ago
As the world continues to grapple with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are uncovering new complications associated with the virus. One such issue is adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to various health problems. A recent study by
Thailand Medical researchers from the Department of Medicine, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand, led by
Dr Thachanun Porntharukchareon and colleagues, sheds light on this hidden threat among COVID-19 survivors.
Thailand Medical Researchers Discover That COVID-19 Causes Adrenal Insufficiency
What is Adrenal Insufficiency?
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, fail to produce sufficient hormones, particularly cortisol. Cortisol is crucial for regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling the body's response to stress. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, and, in severe cases, shock.
The Connection Between COVID-19 and Adrenal Insufficiency
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affects the respiratory system but also has widespread effects on other body systems. The term "long COVID" describes a range of symptoms persisting for weeks or months after the initial infection. These symptoms include fatigue, cognitive issues, and breathlessness. Researchers believe that some long COVID symptoms might be due to adrenal insufficiency.
The Study: Key Findings
Dr Porntharukchareon and his team conducted a cross-sectional study involving 41 patients who had severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The patients, all over 18 years old, had been hospitalized three months prior for COVID-19 and underwent a series of tests to assess their adrenal function.
-Participants: The median age of the patients was 62 years, and 42% were female. All had severe pneumonia during their COVID-19 infection.
-Methods: The researchers used a low-dose corticotropin stimulation test (CST) to evaluate adrenal function. They measured serum cortisol levels at different intervals and assessed baseline plasma ACTH levels.
-Results: The study found that 27% of the patients had hypocortisolism, a condition where cortisol levels are abnormally low. Most of these cases were due to secondary hypocortisolism, likely caused by pituitary gland disruption. One patient had primary hypocortisolism, where the issue originates in the adrenal glands themselves.
Symptoms and Treatment
Among those with hypocortisolism, more than half reported persistent fatigue, a common long COVID symptom. Nearly half required regular glucocorticoid replacement therapy to manage their condition. This highlights the importance of monitoring adrenal function in COVID-19 survivors, especially those experiencing prolonged symptoms.
Why Does This Happen?
The exact mechanism linking COVID-19 to adrenal insufficiency isn't fully understood. However, several factors may contribute:
-Direct Viral Impact: SARS-CoV-2 can enter cells via ACE2 receptors, which are present in various tissues, including the adrenal glands. The virus might directly damage these glands.
-Inflammatory Response: The severe inflammatory response, known as a cytokine storm, triggered by COVID-19 can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting hormone production.
-Immune System Dysregulation: COVID-19 can lead to immune system abnormalities, potentially affecting hormone regulation.
Implications for Patients and Healthcare Providers
This study underscores the need for heightened awareness among healthcare providers about the potential for adrenal insufficiency in patients with a history of severe COVID-19. Physicians should consider this condition in patients presenting with symptoms such as persistent fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and low blood pressure.
For patients, it is crucial to report ongoing symptoms to their healthcare providers, as early detection and treatment of adrenal insufficiency can significantly improve quality of life and prevent severe complications.
Moving Forward: Future Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to fully understand the prevalence and mechanisms of adrenal insufficiency in COVID-19 survivors. Larger studies and long-term follow-ups will help clarify the extent of this issue and inform better management strategies.
Conclusion
As we continue to uncover the long-term effects of COVID-19, it is clear that the virus's impact extends beyond the initial respiratory symptoms. Adrenal insufficiency is a serious but often overlooked condition that can arise after severe COVID-19 infection. Awareness and early intervention are key to managing this complication and improving outcomes for affected individuals.
For those recovering from COVID-19, staying informed and proactive about their health can make a significant difference. If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, consult with a healthcare provider to explore the possibility of adrenal insufficiency and other related conditions.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Frontiers in Endocrinology.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1337652/full
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-italian-and-dutch-imaging-study-involving-18f-fdg-pet-ct-reveals-that-sars-cov-2-impairs-thyroid-and-adrenal-glands-functions
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/unpacking-the-science-behind-long-covid-how-adrenal-gland-sars-cov-2-infection-may-play-a-key-role
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