Saini, Jasmine

ABSTRACT Objective Data on bone health in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) are limited and heterogenous. We sought to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis and symptomatic fragility fractures in patients with adrenal adenomas and hypercortisolism, and explore associations with the degree of cortisol excess and frailty. Design This multicenter cross ‐sectional study involved prospective enrollment of adults with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas (NFA), MACS, Cushing syndrome (CS) and referent subjects without adrenal disorders during the study period (January 2019–September 2022). All participants completed a bone health questionnaire at enrollment and had dual‐energy X ‐ray absorptiometry bone mineral density assessment within 12‐months. Final analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol use. Results Participants included 117 with NFA (median age 62 years, 80% women), 191 with MACS (median age 63 years, 74% women), 62 with CS (median age 50 years, 92% women), and 101 referent subjects (median age 59 years, 47% women). Both patients with CS (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1–8.3) and MACS (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9–4.9) had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis when compared to referents. Among patients with MACS, only those with post 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test (post‐1mg‐DST) cortisol > 83 nmol/L had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis when compared to referents (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.4–7.5) and NFA (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.4). For clinical fragility fractures, only patients with CS showed an increased prevalence when compared to referents (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 1.7–26.4) and NFA (OR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.3–11.2). Prevalence of clinical fragility fractures was similar to referents in patients with MACS (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 0.6–6.9) and NFA (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.4–6.1), and was not associated with post‐1mg‐DST cortisol or frailty in the MACS and NFA groups. Conclusion Patients with CS, and those with MACS and post‐1mg‐DST cortisol > 83 nmol/L, exhibited a higher burden of osteoporosis. However, only CS was associated with an elevated risk of symptomatic fragility fractures.

Abstract Context The impact of active hypercortisolism on sleep is incompletely characterized. Studies report impaired sleep in patients with Cushing syndrome (CS). Patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) demonstrate mild nocturnal hypercortisolism that could impact sleep. Objectives To characterize sleep abnormalities in patients with CS and MACS using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), identify factors associated with poor sleep, and compare sleep abnormalities in patients with MACS vs referent subjects. Methods We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of adults with active CS and MACS. Clinical and biochemical severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. Parallelly, we enrolled referent subjects. Quality of life was assessed using (1) the Short Form-36 (SF-36) in all participants and (2) the CushingQoL in patients with active hypercortisolism. Sleep quality was assessed using PSQI. Results PSQI was assessed in 154 patients with CS (mean 12, SD ±4.5), 194 patients with MACS (mean 11, SD 4.6), and 89 referents (mean 5, SD ±3.4). Patients with MACS exhibited shorter sleep duration, longer sleep latency, more severe daytime dysfunction, lower sleep efficiency, and a higher sleep medication use compared to referent subjects (P = <.001 for all). Age-, sex, and body mass index-adjusted analysis demonstrated no differences in PSQI or its subcomponents between patients with CS and MACS (P > .05 for all). In a multivariable analysis of patients with MACS, younger age, female sex, and higher clinical hypercortisolism severity score were associated with impaired sleep. In patients with CS, only younger age was associated with poor sleep. Conclusion Patients with MACS demonstrate sleep impairment that is similar to patients with CS. Younger women with higher clinical severity of MACS are more likely to have impaired sleep.

Abstract Context Patients with endogenous hypercortisolism experience glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) after surgery. Meditation may be an effective intervention to alleviate the severity of GWS. Objective To determine the acceptability of a portable, wearable electroencephalography device for guided meditation (MUSE headband) and the impact of MUSE use on GWS and quality of life 12 weeks postsurgery. Methods We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study of adults with endogenous hypercortisolism undergoing curative surgery from 2019 to 2024. Patients had baseline and postsurgical assessments over 12 weeks. The study comprised patients using MUSE for ≥ 6 weeks (MUSE cohort) and patients matched by age, sex, BMI, hypercortisolism type, and glucocorticoid type at 1:4 ratio. Quality of life and GWS symptoms were assessed with AddiQoL, CushingQoL, and 36-item Short Form Health Survey mental and physical component (SF-36 MCS and PCS) questionnaires. Results MUSE was offered to 52 patients, and 22 (42%) used MUSE for ≥ 6 weeks within 12 weeks after surgery. At baseline, compared to 88 matched subjects, 22 MUSE participants demonstrated similar prevalence of comorbidities and clinical and biochemical hypercortisolism severity, but lower AddiQoL (mean 73 vs 66, P = .031) and SF-36 MCS (mean 39 vs 33, P = .022). At 12 weeks, these differences in quality of life were no longer present. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, clinical severity score, and baseline quality of life, MUSE use was an independent predictor of improved SF-36 PCS at 12 weeks postsurgery (beta 4.2, 95% CI: 0.5-7.9, P = .026). Conclusion Postsurgical meditation intervention may improve physical symptoms and accelerate recovery.

Abstract Context Data on diagnostic accuracy of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) for mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) and adrenal insufficiency (AI) are discrepant. Objective We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies assessing the accuracy of DHEA-S in diagnosing MACS or AI. Methods From inception to January 8, 2024, we searched databases for original studies of at least 20 participants with MACS or AI. MACS was defined as postdexamethasone cortisol greater than 1.8 mcg/dL or postsurgical hypocortisolism. AI was defined by abnormal dynamic testing. QUADAS-2 was used to assess the risk of bias. Bivariate random effects meta-analysis was used to generate pooled diagnostic accuracy estimates. Results Seven studies on DHEA-S accuracy in diagnosing MACS (574 patients with MACS, 830 referent individuals), and 2 studies on DHEA-S accuracy in diagnosing AI (52 patients with AI, 59 referent individuals) were included. A meta-analysis of studies using DHEA-S cutoff between 60 and 70 mcg/dL to diagnose MACS demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 64%-93%) and a specificity of 82% (95% CI, 74%-88%). In the 2 studies evaluating DHEA-S in diagnosing AI, the reference standard was a 1-mcg cosyntropin stimulation test. The sensitivity of DHEA-S for diagnosing AI ranged from 70.3% to 86.7%, and the specificity was 87.1%. Most studies were at a moderate risk of bias. Conclusion Based on limited heterogeneous evidence, measurement of DHEA-S provides additional value in diagnosing MACS, as well as AI.

Abstract Objective Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) may develop in patients following successful surgery for endogenous hypercortisolism. Effective strategies to minimize GWS and improve quality of life (QoL) are currently lacking. We aimed to determine the impact of hydrocortisone vs prednisone therapy on GWS and QoL during the first 12 weeks postsurgery. Methods Single-center prospective cohort study (2019-2024) of adults with endogenous hypercortisolism who developed postoperative adrenal insufficiency and treated with either prednisone or hydrocortisone. Quality of life was assessed with Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Cushing QoL questionnaires at baseline and at 12 weeks postsurgery. GWS was assessed using weekly AddiQoL questionnaires for the first 12 weeks postsurgery. Results Of 165 patients, 101 (61%) were treated with hydrocortisone and 64 (39%) with prednisone. At baseline, no group differences were found in the hypercortisolism subtype, comorbidities, or QoL assessments. At follow-up, no group differences in final total daily hydrocortisone equivalent dose were seen. When adjusting for the baseline QoL assessment, patients treated with prednisone demonstrated a higher degree of improvement in their QoL, particularly in the SF-36 mental component score (estimate 0.33, 95% CI, 0.04-0.63), SF-36 role-emotional limitation (estimate 0.52, 95% CI, 0.2-0.84), and SF-36 body pain (estimate 0.31, 95% CI, 0.07-0.56) subcomponents. In the multivariable analysis of age, sex, body mass index, glucocorticoid type, baseline clinical severity score, and baseline QoL assessment, prednisone therapy was an independent predictor of better SF-36 mental component at 12 weeks postsurgery. Conclusions Prednisone therapy was associated with better mental health QoL than hydrocortisone at 12 weeks postsurgery in patients with hypercortisolism.

Abstract Objectives The impact of mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) on cognition is incompletely characterized. We aimed to assess cognition in patients with MACS, identify factors associated with lower cognition, and determine the impact of adrenalectomy on cognition. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study (4/2019 to 10/2022) and a longitudinal cohort study (10/2021 to 9/2023) of adults with MACS and referent subjects. Cognition was assessed with National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery and reported as standardized T scores (adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education) for fluid, crystallized, and total composite cognition. Participants were assessed with urine steroid profiling (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), frailty index, Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Results A total of 84 patients (median age 57 years, 67% women) and 201 referent subjects (median age 63 years, 58% women) were included. Patients with MACS demonstrated lower mean (SD) total composite (50.9 [9.3] vs 55.4 [8.9], P < .001) and fluid composite T score (49.3 [10.6] vs 55.2 [10.2], P < .001), but not crystallized composite T score (52.3 [8.4] vs 54.0 [8.4], P = .130) when compared with referent subjects. Multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, BDI, SF-36, frailty index, total glucocorticoids, and androgens demonstrated that MACS status was associated with lower cognition. When cognition was reassessed in 37 patients post-adrenalectomy and 31 referent subjects, adjusted group differences of cognition change were similar except for a higher comparative increase in attention and executive functioning in patients with MACS. Conclusion Patients with MACS demonstrate lower cognition than referent subjects. Adrenalectomy for MACS had a minor positive impact on cognition.

Abstract Disclosure: J. Saini: None. B. Bahrani Fard: None. M. Suresh: None. R. Sandooja: None. Y. Hleibiehova: None. E. Atkinson: None. S. Achenbach: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Patients with endogenous hypercortisolism experience glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) following curative surgery. The symptoms of GWS include fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, joint pain, mood changes, and sleep disturbance. Limited interventions have been explored to alleviate the symptoms of GWS and improve patients’ quality of life. The use of meditation as an intervention has been reported to enhance postsurgical recovery in patients with other conditions and offers a promising intervention for GWS. Objective: To determine the impact of a portable, wearable, electroencephalographic device (MUSE headband device) used for guided meditation practices on the quality of life of patients in the first 12 weeks post-surgery for endogenous hypercortisolism. Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective longitudinal study of adults with endogenous hypercortisolism undergoing curative surgery between 2018 and 2024. The patients were enrolled before the surgical intervention and were followed for 2 years. Only patients who completed at least 4 weeks of follow-up were included. The study comprised of 2 groups; (1) The interventional group included consecutive patients who were offered a MUSE headband with instructions to meditate for at least 10 minutes per day for 3 months (MUSE cohort) and (2) the comparison group included age-, sex-, clinical score, hypercortisolism type, and BMI-matched 3:1 patients (Referent cohort). Quality of life and symptoms of GWS were assessed with AddiQoL and Short Form-36 (SF-36) surveys. Results: At least 4 weeks post-surgical follow-up was completed by 27 patients in the MUSE cohort and 81 referent subjects. Age (median 51 vs 47 years), women (82% vs 84%), BMI (median 31 vs 32 kg/m2), the subtype of hypercortisolism (pituitary 48% vs 52%), clinical (median 16 vs 15) and biochemical (median 6 vs 7) severity scores were similar between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). At baseline, AddiQoL score was similar in groups (median of 66 vs 70, P=0.083), though symptoms of fatigue (92.6% vs 69.1%, P=0.015) and lightheadedness (37% vs 17.3%, P=0.033) were more frequent in MUSE cohort. After 12 weeks, 20 patients using MUSE demonstrated improvement compared to 67 no muse patients in the SF-36 physical component (mean delta 3.9 (SD 11.77) vs -2.19 (SD 9.67), P=0.010). The physical functioning SF-36 subcomponent (4.94 (8.77) vs 0.92 (9.24), P=0.048) and body pain SF-36 subcomponent (2.69 (11.89) vs -3.69 (8.32), P=0.008) domains improved in the MUSE intervention group, when compared to referent cohort. No significant improvement in SF-36 mental component scores was seen in both groups. Conclusions: The use of wearable electroencephalographic device for meditation was associated with improvement in the quality of life of patients recovering from hypercortisolism, particularly in the domains of body pain and physical functioning. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Abstract Disclosure: J. Saini: None. R. Nathani: None. J. Larson: None. V. Fell: None. I. Bancos: None. Background: Surgical menopause due to bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) at a younger age is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and increased mortality. Aging is associated with abnormalities in steroid metabolome, most notably an increased glucocorticoid to androgen ratio (“adrenal aging”). We hypothesized that in postmenopausal women of the same age, the duration of menopause is associated with adrenal aging. Objective: To determine the differences in the adrenal steroid metabolome of women with a history of BSO as compared to age-matched women following natural menopause. Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study in postmenopausal women with or without a history of BSO, between December 2020 to December 2022 Each participant collected 24-hour urine, which was analyzed for steroid profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (25 steroids). Exclusion criteria were inability to collect a 24h urine sample, exogenous glucocorticoid use, advanced malignancy, and chronic opioid use. Primary endpoints were glucocorticoid/androgen ratio, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity (cortisol/cortisone, Tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + 5 α-tetrahydrocortisol (5 α-THF)/ Tetrahydrocortisone, THE) and 5 α-reductase type activity (Tetrahydrocortisol (THF)/5 α-tetrahydrocortisol (5 α-THF) and Etiocholanolone/Androsterone, Et/An). Results: A total of 245 women were enrolled: 124 women (median age of 66 years, IQR 63-72) with a history of BSO and 121 women (median age of 68 years, IQR 64-71) who underwent natural menopause (P=0.214). Median age at menopause was 44 years (IQR 41-46) in the BSO group, and 50 years (IQR 48-53) in the natural menopause group. History of hormone replacement therapy with estrogen was reported in 161 (66%) women, more frequently (92% vs 39%, P<0.001) and for a longer duration (median 12 years (IQR 6-16) vs 6 years (IQR 3-9), P<0.001) in in the BSO group, as compared to the natural menopause group. Although both groups had similar levels of urinary androgens (median 1387 vs 1686 mcg/24h, P=0.063) and total glucocorticoids (median 10877 vs 10277 mcg/24h, P=0.354), women with a history of BSO demonstrated a higher glucocorticoid/androgen ratio (median 7.9 (IQR 5.0-11.1) vs 6.7 (4.3-9.9), P=0.014), and a lower Et/An ratio (median 1.4 vs 1.6, P=0.045), but not THF/5aTHF ratio (median 1.7 vs 1.8, P=0.380) in comparison to women with natural menopause. No differences were found in other ratios. Conclusion: Women with a history of BSO demonstrated a higher glucocorticoid/androgen ratio in comparison to women undergoing natural menopause, suggestive of BSO-induced accelerated “adrenal aging”. Future studies need to examine associations between the abnormal steroid metabolome and increased cardiovascular morbidity, frailty, and mortality reported following BSO. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Abstract Disclosure: R. Sandooja: None. J. Saini: None. R. Gregg garcia: None. C. Zhang: None. S. Achenbach: None. E. Atkinson: None. J. Van Gompel: None. W.F. Young: None. I. Bancos: None. Hydrocortisone vs Prednisone During Recovery Following Surgical Cure for Endogenous Hypercortisolism: A Longitudinal Observational Study Introduction: Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) is a constellation of symptoms that occurs after successful surgery for endogenous hypercortisolism. The objective of this study is to compare hydrocortisone versus prednisone on GWS symptoms. Methods: Study design: Single-center prospective longitudinal cohort study, 2019-2023. Participants: Adults with Cushing syndrome (CS) and mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) with post-operative adrenal insufficiency treated with either hydrocortisone or prednisone for glucocorticoid replacement. Measurements: Clinical and biochemical severity scores for hypercortisolism were calculated. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Cushing QOL surveys. GWS was assessed using weekly AddiQoL surveys for the first 12 weeks after surgery. Results: Of 131 patients, 91 (69%) patients were treated with hydrocortisone and 40 (31%) with prednisone. No differences in age (median age 51 vs 53 years, P=0.62), sex (84 vs 85% women, P=0.83), etiology of hypercortisolism (ACTH-dependent: 44% vs 48%, P=0.26), clinical severity of hypercortisolism (median score 13 vs 12, P=0.97), or biochemical severity of hypercortisolism (median score of 6 in both, P=0.31) were noted between groups. When assessed at 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks post-surgery, the prevalence and trajectory of symptoms (fatigue, myalgias/arthralgias, sleep, headaches, nausea, weakness) were similar in patients treated with hydrocortisone and prednisone (P>0.05 for all). However, patients treated with prednisone were less likely to report mood changes (8.5% vs 20.9%, P= 0.004) compared to those treated with hydrocortisone. When compared to the presurgical baseline, the overall Cushing QOL score 12 weeks post-surgery improved in both groups (mean delta 8.9 vs 13.0, P=0.21). No differences in the hydrocortisone vs prednisone treatment were found in the SF-36 physical component score (mean delta of -1.7 vs 0.3, P=0.23) and SF-36 mental component score (mean delta 2.3 vs 5.0, P=0.22). Using multivariable analysis, age (estimate 0.22, P= 0.005), clinical severity score (estimate -0.73, P<0.001), female sex (estimate -5.45, P= 0.046) but not glucocorticoid type (estimate -0.06, P=0.98) were associated with the overall GWS symptom burden at 12 weeks. Conclusion: Use of prednisone after curative surgery for hypercortisolism was associated with lower mood symptoms, but did not impact the overall severity or trajectory of other symptoms associated with GWS. Baseline clinical severity of hypercortisolism, age, and female sex were associated with GWS burden. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Abstract Disclosure: B. Salama: None. J. Saini: None. V. Fell: None. E.J. Atkinson: None. S.J. Achenbach: None. Background: Mildly autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) can be unilateral in 80% of cases, or bilateral in 20% of cases, due to either bilateral adrenal adenomas or bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Scarce evidence demonstrates the differences in plasma steroid profiling of patients with bilateral versus unilateral MACS, however, these findings have not been confirmed using a more comprehensive 24h urine steroid profiling. Objectives: To characterize 24h urine steroid metabolome in patients with unilateral and bilateral MACS. Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study between 2019-2022. Eligible participants included consecutive patients with MACS who provided a 24h urine sample. Urine was analyzed for 25 steroids with a high-resolution mass spectrometry assay. MACS was defined as cortisol >1.8 mcg/dL following the overnight administration of 1 mg dexamethasone (DST-cortisol). Partial cohort analysis is presented. Results: Of 72 patients with MACS included in the interim analysis, 36 (50%) had bilateral MACS. The two groups (unilateral vs bilateral) were similar in age (median 58 vs 58 years), sex (women 67% vs 61%), BMI (median 33 vs 32 kg/m2), and menopausal status (36% vs 39%), P>0.05 for all. Prevalence of comorbidities was also similar in both groups: hypertension (89% vs 89%), hyperlipidemia (69% vs 78%), and hyperglycemia (69% vs 61%), P >0.05 for all. While the DST-cortisol (median 3.0 vs 3.2 mcg/dL, P= 0.51) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (median 37.5 vs 55.0, P = 0.21) were similar between the 2 groups, patients with bilateral MACS had a lower ACTH (median 12.4 vs 8.2 pg/mL, P = 0.012) when compared to patients with unilateral MACS. Median adrenal mass size was similar in patients with both unilateral MACS (2.7 cm, IQR 1.7-3.9) and bilateral MACS (3.0 cm, IQR 2.2-3.6) P = 0.54. Of the 25 steroids measured, only tetrahydrocorticosterone was higher in patients with unilateral MACS (median 245 mcg/24h, IQR 165-416 vs median 184 mcg/24h, IQR 121 -278) P = 0.039. No differences in androgens (median 2229 vs 2036 mcg/24h), cortisol metabolites (median 6566 vs 5191 mcg/24h), cortisone metabolites (median 10300 vs 9429 mcg/24h), or glucocorticoid/androgen ratio (median 7.9 vs 8.9) was demonstrated between the unilateral vs bilateral MACS groups (P>0.05 for all). Conclusion: In this interim analysis of patients with unilateral vs bilateral MACS, we have found that patients had a similar post-DST cortisol and similar tumor bulk. Despite a lower ACTH in patients with bilateral MACS, no differences in androgens were found between the two groups. In addition to expanding steroid profiling analysis to the whole cohort, subgroup analyses will need to distinguish between patients with bilateral adenomas and macronodular adrenal hyperplasia, consider aldosterone co-secretion, and employ a more accurate measurement of adrenal tumor bulk. Presentation: 6/3/2024