Fifteen-minute consultation: Approach to the adolescent presenting with hirsutism.

Hirsutism, unwanted terminal hair growth in androgen-dependent areas, is a common presentation to general paediatricians, dermatologists and endocrinologists. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common cause but can be challenging to diagnose in young people due to the significant overlap of features with the healthy adolescent population. There are other rare, but important, causes to consider such as non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and androgen-secreting tumours.

Pharmacodynamic studies of nasal tetracosactide with salivary glucocorticoids for a noninvasive Short Synacthen Test.

Context: The Short Synacthen Test (SST) is the gold standard for diagnosing adrenal insufficiency. It requires invasive administration of Synacthen, venous sampling, and is resource-intensive.

Objective: To develop a nasally administered SST, with salivary glucocorticoids measurement, to assess the adrenal response.

International survey on high- and low-dose synacthen test and assessment of accuracy in preparing low-dose synacthen.

Objective: The short synacthen test (SST) is widely used to assess patients for adrenal insufficiency, but the frequency and protocols used across different centres for the low-dose test (LDT) are unknown. This study aimed to survey centres and test the accuracy of ten different synacthen preparation strategies used for the LDT.

Methods: Members of 6 international endocrine societies were surveyed regarding diagnostic tests used for adrenal insufficiency, and in particular the SST.

Use of salivary cortisol and cortisone in the high- and low-dose synacthen test.

Context: Salivary cortisone reflects serum cortisol levels, is more sensitive than salivary cortisol at lower values of serum cortisol and is noninvasive.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum cortisol and salivary cortisol and cortisone following low- and high-dose synacthen.

Design And Setting: Prospective pharmacodynamic studies in clinical research facilities.