Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency due to Opiate Therapy – Another Differential Diagnosis Worth Consideration

 

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Abstract

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.

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Correspondence

K-E. Schimke

Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes

Department of Internal Medicine

Kantonsspital St. Gallen

Rorschacherstraße 959007 St. Gallen

Switzerland

Phone: +41/71/494 10 09

Fax: +41/71/494 61 62

Email: katrin.schimke@kssg.ch