Acth stimulation with metyrapone & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is acth stimulation with metyrapone?

Metyrapone is a drug that prevents the formation of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced by adrenocorticotropics. When consumed, these drugs will decrease cortisol production and thus stimulate the pituitary gland.

This test is used to check for ACTH secretion by the tumor. In addition, this test is also used to diagnose Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.

This type of test is similar to the Cosyntropin test.

When should I undergo acth stimulation with metyrapone?

This test is done for several cases such as the following:

• differentiate adrenal hyperplasia from primary adrenal tumors
• detects Cushing's syndrome
• detect adrenal insufficiency
• detects the performance of the pituitary gland

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing acth stimulation with metyrapone?

This test is recommended for patients who:

• likely to have adrenal insufficiency
• using glucocorticosteroids

Complications that can occur during the test include:

• Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency are exacerbated because metyrapone blocks cortisol production
• dizziness, drowsiness, allergic reactions to medicines and bone marrow suppression

Factors that affect the test results include:

• radioisotope
• chlorpromazine, which can block the response to metyrapone and should not be used while the test is being carried out

Observe warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have any questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing acth stimulation with metyrapone?

There is no special preparation before undergoing this test. However, the doctor may check your health condition first. Consult your doctor about certain preparations before undergoing the test. It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.

How is the acth stimulation process with metyrapone?

In the blood test, you will be given metyrapone at 11 o'clock the evening before the test. The next day, the medical professional will draw blood from the vein into the tube.

In a urine test, the medical staff will collect a sample of your urine within 24 hours of the test to determine the 17-OCHS level as a baseline. Then a urine sample is collected to measure the 17-OCHS level within 1 day after you take metyrapone. Metyrapone is taken 5 times a day (24 hours) with an interval of 4 hours.

Medicines consumed must be accompanied by milk to reduce gastrointestinal effects.

What should I do after undergoing acth stimulation with metyrapone?

Some people may feel pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain.

After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual.

Especially for urine tests, the urine sample to be used must be given to the laboratory in a timely manner.

Emergency cases occur when complications arise and worsen adrenal insufficiency. Medical personnel handling this case includes administration of cortisol, shock-resistance, and restoration of blood flow.

If you have any questions regarding the test process, please consult your doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal

• blood: 11-deoxycortisol levels increased> 7 mcg / dL and cortisol <10 mcg / dL
• urine (24 hours): baseline excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-Ochs) is doubled

Abnormal

• Increased cortisol precursors indicate that you have adrenal hyperplasia
• no changes in cortisol precursors indicate disease:
  • adrenal tumor
  • ectopic ACTH syndrome
  • secondary adrenal insufficiency.

The normal range for the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test with Metyrapone may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Please discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.