Glucocorticoid insufficiency of the adrenal cortex in chronic diseases of the liver

Aim, The study of blood levels of hydrocortisone and ACTH in patients with chronic hepatic lesions. Materials and methods. Blood levels of hydrocortisone and ACTH were measured in 198 patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) of different etiology and severity and in 39 healthy controls. Results. Blood hydrocortisone was subnormal while ACTH elevated in all the patients except those with chronic hepatitis running a favorable course. Changes in the hydrocortisone and ACTH content were the greatest in CLD of viral and autoimmune etiology, the least - of alcoholic etiology. Conclusion. Hydrocortisone deficiency was most prominent in severe hepatic lesions.