Abstract :
Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Several studies reported that adrenal
insufficiency (AI) is common in critically ill cirrhotic patients. However, there is scarcity of data on hepatoadrenal
syndrome in cirrhotic patients. As this is an important complication of cirrhosis, this study is needed
to know the profile of Adrenal Insufficiency in cirrhotic patients.
Aims and Objectives of the Study: 1. To study adrenal insufficiency in patients of cirrhosis. 2. To
determine the relationship between BMI and serum cortisol levels.
Materials and Methods: 50 patients of cirrhosis admitted in medicine/gastroenterology ward of DMC&H,
Ludhiana. Depending on the levels of cortisol, patients can be categorized into 3 groups. Clinically
diagnosed patients of cirrhosis were included in our study whereas HIV/Immunodeficiency, Severe chronic
heart disease, Chronic obstructive lung disease, Chronic hemodialysis, Severe sepsis, septic shock and
patients on steroid therapy were excluded.
Results: AI was present in 14 (28%) patients of Cirrhosis. The difference between cortisol levels with
respect to BMI was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusions: AI forms important part of spectrum of Cirrhosis and these patients should be evaluated for
adrenal dysfunction.
Keyword :
Adrenal insufficiency, Cirrhosis, Cortisol.