[Adrenal insufficiency secondary to the use of inhaled corticosteroids]. / Binyrebarkinsufficiens ved behandling med inhalationssteroid.

ABSTRACT

Symptomatic adrenal insufficiency secondary to the use of inhaled corticosteroids is a rare condition. We present a case in which a 16 year-old male patient with asthma treated with high dose fluticasone (1,000 microgram/d) was admitted with septicaemia and concomitant adrenal insufficiency. Further investigations revealed isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency most probably caused by inhalation of fluticasone. The diagnosis was initially delayed because of treatment of the underlying infection. The case serves as a memento that adrenal insufficiency should always be borne in mind when it comes to patients treated with corticosteroids in any form.