OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy and water immersion on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and serum and urine levels of cortisol were compared in untreated RA patients, NSAID-treated RA patients, and healthy control subjects. RESULTS: ACTH levels were significantly higher in untreated RA patients (mean +/- SEM integrated area 11,377 +/- 5,246 hours ng/liter) than in NSAID-treated RA patients (2,285 +/- 388 hours ng/liter) or healthy controls (1,845 +/- 35.5 hours ng/liter) (P < 0.001). Serum and urine cortisol levels were not significantly different between groups. Two-hour head-out water immersion had no effect. CONCLUSION: Elevated ACTH levels without hypercortisolemia occur in untreated RA. NSAID therapy alters HPA axis response, but immersion has no effect.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy and water immersion on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and serum and urine levels of cortisol were compared in untreated RApatients, NSAID-treated RApatients, and healthy control subjects. RESULTS:ACTH levels were significantly higher in untreated RApatients (mean +/- SEM integrated area 11,377 +/- 5,246 hours ng/liter) than in NSAID-treated RApatients (2,285 +/- 388 hours ng/liter) or healthy controls (1,845 +/- 35.5 hours ng/liter) (P < 0.001). Serum and urine cortisol levels were not significantly different between groups. Two-hour head-out water immersion had no effect. CONCLUSION: Elevated ACTH levels without hypercortisolemia occur in untreated RA. NSAID therapy alters HPA axis response, but immersion has no effect.
Authors: R H Straub; C Weidler; B Demmel; M Herrmann; F Kees; M Schmidt; J Schölmerich; J Schedel Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: Agnes M M Eijsbouts; Marlies J E Kempers; Renske S A Kramer; Maria T E Hopman; Frank H J van den Hoogen; Ronald F J M Laan; Ad R M M Hermus; Fred C G J Sweep; Leo B A van de Putte Journal: Br J Clin Pharmacol Date: 2009-01 Impact factor: 4.335