How to interpret a single cortisol measurement. Issue 6 (28th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaunak, Meera; Blair, Joanne C; Davies, Justin Huw
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 351
• Publication Date: 2020-08-28
• Subjects: endocrinology -- general paediatrics; Pediatrics -- Practice -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0585

Abstract

Abstract : Adrenal insufficiency can present with non-specific clinical features. Therefore, a single cortisol measurement is often included in the biochemical work-up of an unwell child. This article aims to review the diagnostic utility of a single cortisol measurement by outlining the physiological, clinical and technical factors affecting result interpretation. Clinical scenarios are used to illustrate how this test may be used in different commonly encountered situations in general paediatrics, with the aim of minimising the frequency of inconclusive results.