A Simple Twenty-Four Hour Test To Evaluate Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortical Function1

Abstract
The results of a short (24 hr) ACTH-dexamethasone test in over 150 patients are reported and discussed. Four functions of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortical axis are measured. The test is performed as follows: 2.5 ml plasma is obtained at 8 am after an overnight fast; 5 U lyophilized ACTH in 1 ml sterile water is given iv over 30 sec and 2.5 ml plasma is obtained 1 hr later; 2.5 ml plasma is obtained at 4 pm and again at 8 am on the following day after the ingestion of 1 mg dexamethasone at midnight. The testing procedure is particularly valuable in evaluation of patients with or suspected of having Cushing's syndrome. Its ease of performance and ready acceptance by patients recommends it for large scale and serial studies.

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