Defining the Mechanisms Underlying Adrenal Insufficiency in Cirrhosis

Defining the Mechanisms Underlying Adrenal Dysfunction in Cirrhosis and Its Prognostic Significance

This study aims to define the prevalence and potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in outpatients with decompensated cirrhosis. Patients will be followed prospectively for up to two years to determine incidence of RAI, whether RAI represents a permanent or dynamic physiologic state in cirrhosis, and to determine whether RAI in this setting is associated with important clinical outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >= 18y
• Diagnosis of cirrhosis by biopsy or compatible clinical picture
• Experienced at least one portal decompensating event in the past and currently have a Child-Pugh B or C classification

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women
• Prisoners
• Not been treated with medication known to affect the adrenal axis within the past 4 weeks (oral or IV steroids, ketoconazole, etomidate)
• Hospitalized at time of enrollment