ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test

Background

  • ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test measures how well the adrenal glands respond to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
  • ACTH is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release a hormone called cortisol
  • Man-made form of ACTH is called cosyntropin

Test

  1. Before: Draw serum cortisol
  2. Time 0: Give 0.25mg IM/IV of ACTH (Cosyntropin) over 2min (0.125mg if <2yrs old)
  3. Time 30: Draw serum cortisol
  4. Time 60: Draw serum cortisol & give 100mg hydrodortison IVP
  • Normal Response: Cortisol level doubles from baseline after Cosyntropin administration
  • Adrenal Insufficiency: Cortisol level fails to rise after Cosyntropin administration

Management

See Also

References