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The following is a summary of “Adrenal Crisis and Adrenal Insufficiency Admissions in Patients 30–59 Years: Contribution of Psychosocial Factors,” published in the November 2024 issue of Endocrinology by Rushworth et al.  

Adults aged 30–59 years with adrenal insufficiency (AI) may experience difficulties in managing their condition due to psychosocial challenges, potentially leading to increased hospitalizations for adrenal crises (AC).  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine psychosocial factors’ association with AI and AC hospital admissions.  

They evaluated regional hospitalization data (2005–2020) for individuals aged 30–59 years diagnosed with AI. Trends in hospitalizations and relationships between admissions and psychosocial difficulties were analyzed, explicitly emphasizing reported percentages, numerical values, and statistical significance (e.g., 91.4%, 7.71–21.33 per million, P<.0001).  

The results showed 3,948 hospitalizations for AI, 63.4% of which involved women. Hospitalization rates for AI increased by 91.4%, from 61.89 to 118.44 per million (P<.0001), while rates for AC rose by 176.5% (7.71 to 21.33 per million, P=NS). Admissions for secondary AI (SAI) increased by 133.0% (27.98 to 65.20 per million, P<.001). Comorbid infections were identified in 28.1% of cases, and 25.6% of individuals experienced at least 1 related psychological issue. The higher psychosocial burden was observed among men, individuals with SAI, and those not in domestic partnerships. Women admitted with AC demonstrated significantly higher psychosocial problem scores than those with less severe conditions.  

They concluded that psychosocial factors may contribute to the rising hospitalizations for AI and AC in adults aged 30–59 years, particularly in specific demographic groups.  

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cen.15166