Publication
Secondary adrenal insufficiency due to opiate therapy - another differential diagnosis worth consideration
Journal Paper/Review - Nov 1, 2009
Schimke Katrin-Elisabeth, Greminger Peter, Brändle Michael
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
We report on a 64-year-old patient in whom fentanyl therapy was found to be responsible for the induction of secondary adrenal insufficiency as clearly demonstrated by re-exposure. We conclude that given the widespread use of opiates in chronic pain management physicians should raise their level of awareness for adrenal insufficiency and look for it generously. Opiates should be added to the list of differential diagnoses to be considered routinely in patients with newly diagnosed secondary adrenal insufficiency.