English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Free Plan

The short synacthen test (SST) is commonly used to assess adrenal function. Accurate timing and appropriate holding of exogenous steroids are essential to ensure correct interpretation of results. Aims &amp; Methods: We reviewed all SSTs performed on inpatients in our hospital over a 1-year period, in order to determine accuracy of testing. Results: 42 patients (Male 15, Female 27), with mean age 68 years (range 43–90), underwent SST. The majority (39/42; 93%) of tests were requested by internal medicine physicians. The indications for testing were; suspected adrenal insufficiency (18), HPA axis suppression (9), fatigue (7), hyponatremia (5), suspected pituitary disease (2) and vomiting (1). 7 (44%) of the 16 patients taking steroids did not have medication appropriately held. 31 (74%) patients did not have serum ACTH measured prior to the test. 28 (66%) tests were not started at the correct time. Only 10 (24%) of the 30 minute samples were completed within the 25-35min sample window. The mean time between the 0min and 30min samples was 42mins (median 62mins; range 0-209mins). 12 (29%) tests involved an unnecessary 60min sample. 8 (19%) tests had no interpretation of results documented in the medical notes. 4 (10%) patients underwent repeat testing, necessitated by an incorrect first test. Discussion: The vast majority of inpatient SSTs (33/42;79%) were performed suboptimally, with the most common errors pertaining to incorrect timing of the test, inaccurate sampling and inappropriate pre-test steroid administration. Considering these errors, some results may have been interpreted incorrectly. Repeat tests were recognised as required in 10% of patients, with associated inconvenience, cost and discomfort. Improved training and guidelines for performing SSTs should be available to hospital staff to ensure more accurate application of the test.

journal of the endocrine society

The Majority of Inpatient Short Synacthen Tests Are Performed Incorrectly, Due to Imprecise Timing, Incorrect Sampling and Failure to Interrupt Steroid Administration